Principles of public audit
Independence
Public sector auditors are independent of audited bodies, which enables auditors to report without fear or favour. Independence is safeguarded through the process of appointing auditors, freedom to exercise judgement to determine the work needed to meet audit requirements, delivering work in line with high audit, quality and ethical standards, using access to information necessary for audit work, discretion over reporting, and the ability to follow up how bodies respond to audit recommendations.


Broad Scope
Public audit is wide in scope, covering the audit of financial statements, regularity, propriety and value for money. In this way, it helps to contribute to challenging and improving corporate governance arrangements of public bodies, and strengthening public trust in entities delivering public services.
Transparency
The ability of public auditors to make the results of their audits available to the public is a fundamental strength. To be effective, there must be clear and impactful reporting arrangements, under which auditors report the results of their work both to the bodies responsible for funding and to the public.


Relevance
As public service delivery models change, public sector audit must develop and respond so it remains relevant to, and continues to be a source of objective insight for, those holding public bodies to account, the public and other stakeholders.