Month: October 2018

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

By Mark Roberts, Senior Manager, Audit Scotland

It’s now less than six months until the UK leaves the European Union. The nature of the UK’s departure remains uncertain and the subject of ongoing and intense debate. Critical negotiations between the UK and the European Union are ongoing. Irrespective of the outcome of those negotiations, leaving the EU will represent a major change for Scotland. Continue reading Withdrawal from the EU – Key audit issues for the Scottish public sector

Audit Scotland is looking for a Communications Manager, and so we asked our current Communications Manager to give us some insight into his time in the role.

By James Gillies, Communications Manager

At Audit Scotland we report on just about everything that affects you, me, your family and Scottish public life in general. From the NHS and the police, to the construction of the new Forth bridge; there is hardly a topic relevant to public services in Scotland that isn’t covered in some shape or form by our work. Continue reading If you think audit and news don’t go together, think again