News

Aligned assurance brings clarity to risk, confidence to action, and strength to discovery.

At Berkeley Lab, collaboration is the foundation of discovery. Across every division and discipline, success depends on people working together toward shared goals. The same principle guides how we manage risk, ensure accountability, and keep the Lab mission-ready.

That is why Internal Audit Services (IAS) and the Institutional Contractor Assurance Office (ICAO) have strengthened their collaboration through Aligned Assurance, an approach designed to make oversight more connected, efficient, and meaningful for everyone at the Lab.

A Coordinated Approach to Assurance

Aligned Assurance builds on the Lab’s Four Lines of Defense model, which is a framework that clarifies how each part of the organization contributes to managing risk and accountability across all levels.

Berkeley Lab’s Four Lines of Defense within the Contractor Assurance System.

First Line – You. Every employee helps manage risk by following procedures, maintaining safety, protecting data, and raising concerns early.

Second Line – ICAO. Oversees the Contractor Assurance System (CAS) and enterprise risk management, promoting performance monitoring and continuous improvement.

Third Line – IAS. Provides independent assurance that controls are effective and risks are managed appropriately, sharing insights that strengthen accountability and efficiency.

Fourth Line – External Oversight. Includes oversight by the Department of Energy (DOE) and University of California (UC). These entities provide independent assurance beyond internal audit, reinforcing transparency, compliance, and governance effectiveness.

Your Role in Aligned Assurance

Assurance is part of everyone’s work at Berkeley Lab. Each time you follow established policies, identify a potential risk, or participate openly during a review, you reinforce the Lab’s integrity and commitment to excellence.

Following established policies and controls.

• Speaking up early when you see risks or opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborating during reviews and audits.
• Staying informed about safety, compliance, and performance expectations.

Together, these actions build trust and accountability that define our Lab culture.

Looking Ahead

Aligned Assurance is about creating connection and clarity across the Lab’s oversight system. By integrating the four lines of defense, the Lab gains a comprehensive view of risk management from operational controls to independent external oversight. This connected approach enhances decision-making, streamlines assurance activities, and strengthens support for safe operations and world-class science.

Together, we are building not only a more coordinated system but a more confident, transparent, and resilient Lab community.