The performance and audit committee advises national Council and the organisation's accounting office on matters of internal and external audit. It also monitors and provides advice on the performance of the organisation.

The committee scrutinises the internal and external financial statements to ensure they reflect best practice. It reviews and comments on reports by the National Audit Office, or the appointed external auditor, and evaluates the effectiveness of the Council's internal control system.

The committee decides the scope and remit of internal audit work and advises on the long-term audit programme. It reviews the corporate risk register to monitor the overall risk management process. The committee also formally receives and reviews the annual health and safety report and reports on the use of the Arts Council seal.

The committee meets four to five times a year.

In addition to at least four members of the Council, up to three expert independent members may sit on the committee.

Current membership of the performance and audit committee is as follows:

Anil Ruia (Chair)
Ekow Eshun
Peter Philips
Rosemary Squire
Sheila Healy
David Carter (independent member)
Nicholas Humby (independent member)
Christopher Yates (independent member)