Technology, Innovation and Transformation in internal audit

Carolyn Clark, Founding Partner, Brave Within LLP
A former Partner with PwC, Carolyn Clarke combines almost 20 years of experience as an auditor and advisor to a wide range of organisations, with in-house experience as a FTSE 30 Head of Audit, Risk and Control and member of the Senior Leadership Team. Carolyn believes all organisations are strongest with a clear purpose, that purpose needs to be delivered on for the benefit of all stakeholders. This requires clarity, transparency, trust and confidence. 

Steve Brown, Founding Partner, Brave Within LLP
Steve has developed deep expertise in assurance, governance, risk, and control, with 17 years of experience in this field. He has delivered high-profile internal audit portfolios for leading FTSE 50 companies, streamlined end-to-end processes, implemented audit and risk management systems, and designed effective systems of internal control. Steve’s professional passion lies in the 'transformation of assurance and assurance of transformation', with a focus on managing change impacts for enduring success.

Before becoming an independent consultant, Steve spent 25 years with BP. Here he established a foundation of extensive, well-rounded technical and commercial experience. This included licensing out process technology, delivering capital projects, and leading strategic procurement. He built global teams and worked extensively abroad, living seven years in France and leading major project assignments in China, Indonesia, Thailand, the USA, and Egypt. Steve uses this experience to help governance professionals maintain commercial reality.

Steve Evenden, Chief Internal Auditor, Nationwide

Steve is an audit leader with 23 years internal audit experience, specialising in retail financial services. During his career he has built and led internal audit teams covering retail banking, corporate banking, insurance and asset management.
Steve joined Nationwide as Audit Director, Strategy, Product and Distribution in November 2019. In April 2020 in the midst of the COVID pandemic Steve was appointed as the Interim Chief Internal Auditor at Nationwide and was appointed permanently to the role in October 2020.

Steve was elected to the Council of the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (CIIA) in October 2021 and was elected Deputy President in October 2023. Through his work at the CIIA and leadership of the audit team at Nationwide Steve is heavily involved in advancing the profession and evolving internal audit for the future.

Steven Yates, Internal Audit Senior Manager at PwC

Steven is experienced ACA qualified Manager in Internal Audit and Risk Assurance with a demonstrated history of working in the accounting industry. Automotive industry specialist and extensive experience in the Energy & Utilities and Industrial Manufacturing industries. Experience of managing global programmes with specific focus on multi-site assurance. Skilled in Microsoft Excel, Customer Service, Accounting, Time Management, and Teamwork. Strong professional with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) focused in Economics and Management from Aston Business School.