Get Audit Ready: Discover How European Commission Auditors Assess Compliance
24/09/2026
About

Keep Calm — You’re Cleared for EC Audit

Welcome to your EC Audit mission briefing. Under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe, audits are a standard part of the flight plan—and this session will ensure you’re ready for takeoff. We’ll guide you through what to expect before, during, and after an audit mission, covering the full landscape from financial audits to systems and process reviews. You’ll gain insight into how European Commission auditors assess compliance with grant agreements, cost eligibility, and core principles such as transparency, traceability, and value for money. We’ll also define what “mission-ready” looks like—strong documentation, robust internal controls, and audit preparedness aligned with EC expectations. Finally, we’ll highlight the most common findings and errors spotted by auditors, helping you avoid the danger zone and keep your project flying steady and compliant from start to finish.

Key Takeaways:
  • Understand what to expect at each stage of an EC audit (preparation, execution, and follow-up)
  • Gain clarity on the different types of EC audits and control mechanisms
  • Learn what “good practice” looks like in audit readiness, documentation, and internal controls
  • Identify the most common audit findings and errors—and how to avoid them
  • Build confidence in managing audits under both Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe

Who Should Attend:
  • Research managers and administrators
  • Finance officers working on EC-funded projects
  • Principal investigators and project coordinators
  • Compliance, governance, and audit support staff
  • Anyone involved in the financial or administrative management of Horizon 2020 or Horizon Europe grants


If you have any questions regarding this event, contact us at events@crowdhelix.com.
Date & Time

Thursday 24th September, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:30pm CEST (10:00am - 11:30am BST)

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Thursday 24th September, 2026 at 11:00am - 12:30pm CEST (10:00am - 11:30am BST)


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Speakers

Charles Shannon

Head of Research and Innovation Operations at Loughborough University and Director of RGCS Ltd.

Charles Shannon is Head of Research and Innovation Operations at Loughborough University and Director of RGCS Ltd, specialising in research funding assurance, post-award management, compliance, and audit readiness.

 

With more than 18 years’ experience across institutions including University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, EMBL-EBI, Ulster University, and Loughborough University, Charles has led assurance reviews and audit preparation for major funders including UKRI, the European Commission, US federal agencies, the Wellcome Trust, and Cancer Research UK.

 

He is a regular speaker and trainer on post-award management, compliance, and research governance, presenting at events including ARMA UK, NCURA, INORMS, Infonetica, BUFDG, and other national and international research management forums.  He currently co-champions ARMA’s Audit and Compliance Special Interest Group.

 

Charles is passionate about helping institutions move beyond reactive compliance toward smarter, more proactive research management.

Jonathan Gray

Grant Audit Manager at LEES Accountants

Jonathan is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and experienced grant auditor. He has over 15 years' experience with the financial administration and auditing of grants, specialising in EU, UK and US Federal assurance and a co-champion of the ARMA UK Audit & Compliance Special Interest Group.