How Internal Audit has opened a future of development for a recent graduate.
Ben Hartley is 12 months into his Graduate Programme in Internal Audit at NFU Mutual. We caught up with Ben who shared his journey with us so far, to find out why he’s so passionate about the values, the development, and the opportunities to grow within a business that’s always focused on doing the right thing.
So, 12 months in, how has it been so far?
It’s incredible to be honest. I’m surrounded by experts, and I’ve met colleagues from every function across NFU Mutual. I’ve been on more training courses than I could have imagined, and I get to work at the highest level in the business. The variety of people and audits is phenomenal, and I absolutely love coming to work. I’m only in my first year of the Graduate Programme and I’m so pleased I joined a team that is at the heart of transformation.
Why did you choose NFU Mutual?
When I was finishing university my friend and I went to a careers fair, and he knew about NFU Mutual. He told me how good they are, so I started the conversation with them. 12 months later and I’m sitting with the NFU Mutual Executive team, outlining our plans for the latest audit. When I started reading about our business, I loved the history and the mutuality. I’m big on values and NFU Mutual’s matched mine perfectly! I also love the focus on development and the genuine care that’s delivered from the very top.
Why did Internal Audit appeal to you?
For me it’s the problem-solving aspect that really appealed to me, and the fact that it’s ever-changing. Yes, we have a planned strategy for 12 months which we all contribute to, but life isn’t that straightforward. Technology, access to data and insight and changing member habits - all these elements have a bearing on how we support, protect and transform platforms and services for the future. Fundamentally, Internal Audit is all about continuous improvement for our members, our colleagues, and our business. Problem solving and continuous learning and improvement in a changing world – that's what appealed to me.
Can you remember your first Audit at NFU Mutual?
Yes, I can, and it’s not that long ago! I clearly remember my Manager being incredibly supportive, without telling me exactly what to do. Trust and freedom are important to me, but I knew even from the first major audit that I had the backing and wisdom of a mentor in my Manager to validate my thinking and guide my delivery. The one thing I love is the variety of audits. Some big, some smaller. And then there’s the consultancy work that we do. More and more teams across NFU Mutual are recognising the value we can add and are seeking us out to help them find solutions to some of their trickiest challenges. It’s the best of all worlds.
How much development is there at NFU Mutual?
As much as you want is the simplest answer I can give. You can break it down into formal and self-driven development. In terms of formal qualifications, there’s the certified Audit Training programmes, but for me, the best thing about being here is the ownership of your own development. This focus on continuous improvement comes from the Chief Executive, and everyone who works at NFU Mutual can put forward learning and development ideas that they’d like to focus on at any time. I’ve just been to an externally-run data workshop as I wanted to build on my skills in this area and we rely on what data is telling us. I want to be at the forefront of how we translate that data into meaningful actions for the business.
What does the future look like for you at NFU Mutual?
It looks exciting! I know I’m only coming to the end of my first year, but the variety of work, the exposure to senior stakeholders and the ambition of the Internal Audit team is hugely exciting. I want to keep learning, from my team, my Manager and from the specialist courses that will help we gain new skills. And I’m doing all this in a business that aligns with my values. They do the right thing. I feel very proud to be part of NFU Mutual.
Interested in Internal Audit? Why not take a look at our current vacancies or register for job alerts. We look forward to hearing from you.