A selection of our publications providing help and advice on
this topic:
Managing risks in government
June 2011
We have reported regularly through our Value for Money audit
programme that more effective risk management would enable
departments to be better informed in their decisions, have a
greater likelihood of meeting their aims and objectives, and help
them to avoid costly mistakes.
By examining current practice in government and the private
sector we have developed six principles of risk management. By
following our six principles, organisations can move their risk
management arrangements from a process-led approach to one which
supports the efficient and effective delivery of services.
Managing
risks in government (PDF - 433KB)
Financial Management Maturity Model
2010
Good financial management is at the core of good management in
government. It supports decision making and the effective running
of organisations. The NAO has developed this assessment tool for
use on its audits of financial management. We are grateful for
comments during development from HM Treasury, CIPFA, the Audit
Commission, PWC and practitioners.
More on the Financial Maturity
Model
Public sector Non-Executive Directors conference: "Better
governance, fewer resources"
Tuesday 28 September 2010
Chartered Accountants' Hall, Moorgate Place,
London EC2R 6EA
"In an environment where central government
organisations are under increasing challenge to reduce costs and
enhance services, the role of NEDs is critical."
—Andrew Baigent, Director General, Financial Audit, National
Audit Office
See conference details
A Good Practice guide to the Statement on Internal Control
2010
Statements on Internal Control (SICs) should provide a
transparent and accountable report of the control issues and risks
faced by central government organisations. However, they often fail
to achieve this and the NAO undertook a wide-ranging review to find
out why.
We found that a number of barriers to effective accountability
exist. The Good Practice guide identifies ways that central
government organisations have overcome these barriers and will be
of interest to both executives and non-executives.
A
Good Practice guide to the Statement on Internal Control (PDF -
124KB)
Helping your Audit Committee to add
value
November 2009
In addition, we have pulled together practical top tips for
Audit Committees from the good practice shared in facilitated,
syndicated-based workshops in the past and from other meetings with
non-executive directors.
Helping your
Audit Committee to add value (PDF - 155KB)
Reporting financial information to the
Board
2008
Boards can assess the financial management
information reported to them against best practice using the guide.
We can help boards by facilitating a workshop to assess
performance. To obtain further information please email Z5-FMGP@nao.gsi.gov.uk.
Reporting
financial management information to the Board (PDF - 499KB)