May 2021 Audit Scotland

Partnerships must be central in protecting and supporting people as we rebuild from Covid-19

Posted on May 27, 2021 by ascommsadmin

By Stephen Moore, Member of the Accounts Commission

Governments, working in partnership, exist to empower, protect and enable and support all of us to live the lives we choose. At their best, partnership working is a force for change, underpinned with regard for our human rights, to benefit those who most need support.

And it is by strong, empowered partnership working, through collective action, that we can begin to rebuild our communities. This need is urgent, given the severity of the impact of Covid-19 on the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.

As we report in our latest Local Government Overview, councils working in partnership with the third sector and communities have been essential in protecting people’s wellbeing.

Cyber crime: A serious risk to Scotland’s public sector

Posted on May 25, 2021May 25, 2021 by ascommsadmin

By Dr Bernadette Milligan

Recent cyber attacks at SEPA and the University of the Highlands and Islands have highlighted the threat that cybercrime poses to the public sector in Scotland.

The Christmas Eve attack on SEPA led to data being stolen and has significantly impacted the organisation’s operations, with the criminal gang responsible, Conti, having now launched a serious attack on Ireland’s healthcare system.

These incidents highlight that cybercrime is a risk that the public sector in Scotland needs to take seriously.

Auditing to support public service recovery

Posted on May 24, 2021May 27, 2021 by ascommsadmin

By Elma Murray OBE, Interim Chair, Accounts Commission

Covid-19 has had a profound impact on all of us. The public services we all receive, and many of us depend on, have adapted, in many cases transformed, and will continue to change.

Large sums of money have been spent to manage the pandemic and will continue to be spent as the country seeks to recover.

Audit Scotland, the Auditor General for Scotland and the Accounts Commission have been working closely to reflect on all we have learned so far, what we have heard from those most affected by the pandemic and how our work can contribute most to the efficient recovery and renewal of public services.

Working towards a more equal society in Scotland

Posted on May 19, 2021May 19, 2021 by ascommsadmin

By Geraldine Wooley, Member of the Accounts Commission

Covid-19 has disproportionately affected both the health and prosperity of groups such as black, Asian and ethnic minorities, women and the disabled, reinforcing many of the inequalities that underlie our society with a stark brutality.

Having worked for many years on women’s equality in the labour market, and supporting people facing multiple disadvantages such as homelessness, poor mental health and substance abuse, I worry that the progress we had achieved is now at risk in the aftermath of the pandemic.

I recognise that the public sector will have to face multiple challenges as we emerge from this crisis. Nevertheless, I feel it’s vitally important that providers of public services remain aware of the consequences of inequality as well as adopt strategies to protect those facing disadvantage.

Month: May 2021