8 Pillars of Independence

In the Mexico Declaration on SAI Independence, INTOSAI established eight principles that cover the essential requirements for effective, independent public auditing.

The eight principles are:

1. The existence of an appropriate and effective constitutional/statutory/legal framework

2. The independence of the SAI Head and members of collegial institutions

3. A sufficiently broad mandate and full discretion to discharge SAI functions

4. Unrestricted access to information

5. The right and obligation to report on SAI work

6. The freedom to decide the content and timing of audit reports and to publish and disseminate them

7. The existence of effective follow-up mechanisms on SAI recommendations

8. Financial, managerial and administrative autonomy

The principles are supported by guidance notes and explanations. They are expressed in general terms and should be seen as aspirational, subject to local conditions. The principles and the guidance are also designed to promote independence not just in legal terms but also in terms of how a SAI functions and is funded and managed.