The NAO Annual Report and Accounts 2018-19 provides details about the NAO’s work and our performance.

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During 2018-19 we certified 390 accounts, published 66 major reports, and supported 61 evidence sessions of the Committee of Public Accounts. Our recommendations helped government improve public services, and our work led to audited financial impacts of £539 million in 2018. Our Annual Report also reflects on the contribution made by Sir Amyas Morse as he concludes his tenure as Comptroller and Auditor General.

“In the final year of my 10 years as head of the NAO, I have seen the public sector face the most significant and long-lasting change that many of us are likely to see in our lifetimes. While government has continued to grapple with the challenges of delivering better services to a changing population and with fewer resources, and delivering programmes of a gargantuan scale, such as High Speed 2, Smart Meters and the Ministry of Defence’s 10-year Equipment Plan, it has also had to prepare for the UK’s planned exit from the European Union.

“At times like this, the independent oversight provided by the NAO has never been more essential. I was determined to provide transparency to help improve Parliament’s and the public’s understanding of government’s preparedness for the UK’s exit from the EU, and I am pleased with what we have achieved this year. From short, factual briefings to more in‑depth reports on topics such as the financial settlement, departmental preparedness for EU exit and the UK border, no other organisation has the ability to undertake this important task.”

Amyas Morse, Comptroller and Auditor General

“The NAO’s greatest asset will always be its people. Time and time again, the Board and I witness the way in which NAO people embody our values of independence, authoritativeness, collaboration and fairness. No one does this better than Amyas Morse. During his 10-year tenure as Comptroller and Auditor General, Amyas has made an outstanding contribution in driving public sector improvement and supporting Parliament in responding to the challenges faced by government. His track record of making difficult, independent and courageous audit judgements under pressure is undisputed. Amyas leaves the NAO in a very strong and healthy position to cope with the likely challenges it will face in the future. On behalf of the Board I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the service Amyas has provided to the NAO, Parliament and the nation as a whole.”

Lord Bichard, Chair, NAO

Two complementary corporate reports covering our performance during 2018-19 have been published at the same time: the NAO’s Transparency Report and our Diversity and Inclusion Annual Report.

The Transparency Report shows how we prioritise and pursue best practice and the highest professional standards in our audit work and the significant impact it had during the year, both in terms of public sector improvement and transparency in the way public funds are spent, on behalf of the taxpayer.

The Diversity and Inclusion Annual Report summaries our progress and activities against the first year of our Diversity & Inclusion Strategy 2018-21.

A summary of our Annual Report and Accounts and an overview of the NAO can be found in the ‘Introduction to the NAO’ document on our About us page.

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