What is the Controls Assurance Review Process (CARP)?
Under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, the HSE must complete a formal annual review of the effectiveness of its system of internal controls. One of the tools that is used to measure the effectiveness of the HSE’s system of internal controls is the Annual Controls Assurance Review Process (CARP).
The key components of the CARP are:
- Internal Controls Questionnaire / 2025 CARP Statements - incl. Guidance Notes (Word, size 164 KB, 45 pages)
- 2025 Controls Assurance Statement (CAS) (PDF, size 233 KB, 3 pages)
- 2025 Statement of Positions Held (PDF, size 361 KB, 1 page)
The CARP allows us not only to identify potential areas and activities which may require additional support and focus but also assists in allowing us to highlight the strengths of our controls environment.
All components of the CARP are completed within the survey site. There is no requirement to print and manually sign any documents. The sign-offs and any related notes are captured within the survey site.
However, if you would like to review these documents in advance of completing the questionnaire they are available to access here:
Who participates in this process?
The process applies to HSE staff only, this includes permanent, temporary and agency staff.
All staff on pay grades with a point 1 salary equivalent to, or greater than, Grade VIII point 1 (currently €81,444) complete this annual process.
TIP: Consider engaging your full team with the process. The ICQ is an excellent educational tool that can support staff awareness of controls which should be in place. As an exercise it can provide insight into the processes, procedures and related controls that are relevant to your area.
