Public Sector Audit Appointments Limited (PSAA) has published the results of its annual client survey of opted-in bodies. The findings show an improvement in audit completion compared with previous years and highlight the need for faster progress on local audit reform while ensuring audits deliver value for money.
The independently conducted survey forms part of PSAA’s contract monitoring arrangements and seeks views from Directors of Finance and Audit Committee Chairs on their audit delivery experience.
The findings show that audit services continue to perform well overall, with respondents reporting positive experiences across most aspects of audit delivery. Compared with last year, satisfaction improved in audit completion and the usefulness of the Auditor’s Annual Report and Value for Money arrangements commentary.
Respondents also identified opportunities for improvement. These include strengthening capacity and resourcing within audit firms and local bodies, improving audit planning, providing greater clarity on the process of building back assurance and ensuring audits deliver value for money. The feedback also highlighted the need for clearer timelines and greater clarity on local audit reform, including the creation of the Local Audit Office and how it will deliver its role.
PSAA remains committed to supporting the development of a sustainable, high-quality local audit system and working with stakeholders as reform progresses.
Tony Crawley, PSAA’s Chief Executive, said:
“The survey results show that bodies continue to value the progress made in audit delivery, communications and timeliness. It is particularly encouraging that respondents reported higher levels of satisfaction with audit completion and the usefulness of audit reporting, while confidence in core audit services remained strong.
However, the responses also identified important areas where the local audit system must improve, particularly around speeding up the process of building back assurance and strengthening resources and audit planning. We will continue to use this feedback to support improvements and change as local audit reform progresses, and ahead of the Local Audit Office taking up its role.”