Strengthen communication and advocate transparency and accountability

PASAI will develop communication and advocate transparency and accountability by: (a) educating stakeholders on the value of public auditing; (b) advocating enhanced transparency and accountability; and (c) providing editorial and communications advice.

Educate stakeholders on public auditing
Stakeholders often misunderstand and or undervalue public auditing. Consequently auditees, legislators, public accounts committees, financial management personnel, media, civil society, citizens and development partners have mismatched expectations of auditing and resources allocated to SAIs are inadequate. The PASAI Secretariat will develop informational materials highlighting the focus and relevance of SAIs’ work and assist SAIs to convey this information to stakeholders.

Annual Transparency and Accountability report
In keeping with Pacific Island Forum’s 8 Principles of Accountability, the PASAI Secretariat under the guidance of the Governing Board will prepare and publish a Transparency and Accountability report on the regional status of SAI independence, audit finding follow-up, and other issues of concern to SAIs.

Provide editorial and communications advice
A key measure of an SAI’s effectiveness is the impact of its recommendations. PASAI will provide editorial support to SAIs to improve the communication of their findings and recommendations, including preparation of media releases. Communications training and advice will also be provided to SAI heads and staff, including on how to present findings to public accounts committees and auditees.