Technical co-operation - strengthening audit capacity
internationally
One of the NAO's strategic aims for its international activities
is to help promote better governance and accountability in public
financial management through the capacity building capability which
it can provide.
In this regard, the NAO is committed to sharing skills,
information and advice with other public sector audit bodies across
the world.
Our particular focus is on those countries targeted by the UK's
Department for International Development and countries in the EU
neighbourhood.
The NAO has an extensive programme of externally funded work
mainly with Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) but also embraces
work with Parlaiments, in particular Public Accounts Committees
(PACs) .
The staff who undertake this work are experienced auditors who
seek to develop practical solutions for our partner SAIs and
Parliaments.
In undertaking these types of projects, we aim to build strong
relationships over a long term period with our partner
organisations, so that we can better understand their particular
issues and needs and develop personal trust and understanding.
We are practical and open minded in our approach and make sure
that solutions are tailored to the local context. For example, when
we suggest new auditing techniques, we work closely with our
partners as they apply new skills and then refine our advice,
training and manuals on the basis of local feedback.
The NAO operates this service on a cost recovery/non profit
basis and we bid for funding from donors, such as the European
Union and the World Bank.
In addition the NAO has worked closely with colleagues in other
SAIs to help prepare a range of material intended to help develop
and strengthen audit capacity internationally.
For further information about the NAO's international technical
cooperation work please contact David Goldsworthy via the NAO enquiry desk.