Audit Scotland

By Caroline Gardner, Auditor General for Scotland

Twenty years on from the establishment of the Scottish Parliament, much is made of Scotland’s distinctive approach to public services. There’s no doubt that there are some real successes, like the Scottish Government’s approach to social security, where the rhetoric of dignity, respect and fairness has so far been matched by the reality. But Scotland is facing the same headwinds that are affecting public services all over the world. And we are more exposed than ever before, as the Scottish Government is now responsible for taxes that fund around 40% of devolved spending.

Continue reading Scotland’s public sector challenges are everyone’s responsibility

By Caroline Gardner

Pausing to take stock and plan ahead can feel like an overwhelming task in our current climate of increased demand for services, tight public finances, and constitutional uncertainty.

At Audit Scotland, the annual refresh of our work programme gives us the opportunity to consider how our audit work reflects the priorities and challenges of Scotland’s public sector.

Continue reading How can audit break down barriers?

We’re looking for a Deputy Chair of the Accounts Commission. And so we asked current Deputy Chair, Ronnie Hinds to give us a bit of insight into the role.

By Ronnie Hinds, Deputy Chair, Accounts Commission

First up, please don’t be put off by the dry title, the Accounts Commission.

Our work and role is endlessly fascinating and hugely important. As the public watchdog for local government, our reports are authoritative and we’re highly regarded by national and local government. We work impartially and independently of the Scottish Government and local authorities. It’s this that makes the role and impact of the Commission so significant. Continue reading The role of the Accounts Commission is indispensable

By Caroline Gardner, Auditor General for Scotland

It was a remark that elicited nods of agreement across the room.

“The less we trust each other, the less efficient the state and society is likely to be.”

So said Professor Sir John Curtice, one of several excellent speakers at our annual conference, which this year focused on trust.

Continue reading A question of trust

Lauryn Graham joined Audit Scotland in October 2017 as a trainee. Unlike our other trainees, Lauryn hadn’t been to university. Instead she came to us straight from high school and became the first person to be hired as part of an initiative offering a training position to a school leaver. It’s a unique opportunity to contribute to our work, gain full sponsorship to become a qualified Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAS), and get paid. So, what has Lauryn’s experience been so far? Continue reading Calling all school leavers

By Angela Canning, Audit Director

Public bodies are responsible for the spending of billions of pounds of taxpayers’ money every year on services ranging from benefit payments, to the services we all use every day, including schools, hospitals, refuse collection and maintaining our roads. Councils, health boards and other public bodies are responsible for making sure they have effective arrangements in place to prevent, detect and investigate fraud and error. Audit Scotland has an important role to play too, checking these systems are working effectively and reporting to the public when they are not. Continue reading Counter-fraud and Audit Scotland’s role

By Caroline Gardner, Auditor General for Scotland

This week I’m briefing the Public Audit Committee on the Scottish Government’s annual report and accounts for 2017/18. Balance sheets don’t grab the headlines like pressures on the NHS, but these accounts matter. They include spending of almost £35 billion on public services that affect us all, like schools and indeed health services. And Scotland is taking on major new financial powers, which inevitably bring more opportunities and risks that need to be managed. Continue reading Consolidated public accounts for Scotland – why they matter

By Tricia Meldrum, Senior Manager, Audit Scotland

2018 is the Year of Young People, and as we continue our commitment to working and engaging with young people we’re delighted to have established a youth advisory panel, known as Inform100, here at Audit Scotland.

We audit public services across Scotland and our audits need to be shaped by and reflect the experiences of the people who use those services. Members of Inform100 will help us to involve young people more in our work and ensure their voices and experiences are part of the audit process. This is also a great opportunity for those on the panel to gain valuable experience, develop their skills and make a difference. Continue reading Launching our first Youth Panel

By Fiona Kordiak, Director of Audit Services, Audit Scotland

Global Ethics Day is an opportunity for organisations around the world to explore the role of ethics in their work.

Ethics are the values and principles which should guide the daily work of all public servants – these are the seven principles of public life, set out by Lord Nolan in 1995. A key principle is that everyone who works in the public sector must act professionally to serve the best interests of Scottish society. Continue reading Marking Global Ethics Day 2018