Question: Are audit and compliance results integrated with the organization’s risk register and management-review process?
Why This Matters
Audits reveal risk reality. Integrating findings into the risk register ensures corrective actions influence enterprise decision-making.
Maturity
0 — Unaware
Audit findings filed separately from risk records.
Audit findings filed separately from risk records.
1 — Ad Hoc
Manual cross-reference between risks and findings.
Manual cross-reference between risks and findings.
2 — Defined
Audit template includes risk ID column.
Audit template includes risk ID column.
3 — Managed
Findings reviewed in risk committee meetings.
Findings reviewed in risk committee meetings.
4 — Integrated
Automated linkage between audit module and risk register.
Automated linkage between audit module and risk register.
5 — Optimized
Analytics correlate findings, risks, and loss events for predictive insight.
Analytics correlate findings, risks, and loss events for predictive insight.
How to Level Up
| From → To | Actions |
|---|---|
| 0 → 1 | Tag risks referenced in audit reports. |
| 1 → 2 | Add risk ID field to audit templates. |
| 2 → 3 | Include audit review in risk committee agenda. |
| 3 → 4 | Enable linkage via GRC tool integration. |
| 4 → 5 | Analyze risk-audit trends and forecast emerging areas. |
Enablers
- People: Risk Manager, Compliance Officer, CISO
- Process: Audit → Map → Review → Report
- Technology: GRC integration, BI analytics
Evidence
- Risk-audit mapping report
- Meeting minutes of risk committee
- Analytics dashboard screenshots
KPIs
- Number of audits linked to risk IDs
- Percentage of findings converted to risks
- Time to update register post-audit
Low-Cost / Open-Source Options (MSME)
| Purpose | Tool | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Integration | Odoo / Airtable | Risk ↔ Audit link |
| Analytics | Metabase / Grafana | Trend analysis |
| Documentation | Google Docs | Committee records |
Common Pitfalls
- Disconnected risk and audit teams
- Risks not updated after findings
- No evidence of management review
Compliance Mapping
| Standard | Clauses / Notes |
|---|---|
| ISO/IEC 27001 | 9.3 (Management Review) |
| DPDP Act 2023 | Sec 10 (Accountability) |
| NIST CSF 2.0 | GV.MA / GV.RM |
| NIRMATA Mapping | CA-Q08 integrates audit outcomes with risk governance. |