Strengthening the WAO’s voice, increasing influence and maximising its unique insight, is at the heart of the plan published today.
The body, which audits around £19bn of taxpayers’ money (nearly a third of Welsh GDP), also aims to become a “model organisation” for the public sector in Wales.
In his first plan as auditor general, Adrian Crompton wants to transform the way the watchdog acquires and analyses data and be more proactive in supporting public bodies in their fight against fraud and corruption.
Chair of the WAO Isobel Everett said: “This annual plan is our most ambitious yet – in building a strong and effective WAO that plays a positive and pivotal role in Wales. We’re focusing on transforming our business; modernising our audit approaches and strengthening our abilities to be a model organisation that is respected, valued and listened to.”
The plan said: “Increasing demands on public services, reducing budgets, reforms to funding mechanisms, more complex governance models and the withdrawal from the EU are just a few of the areas which, when taken in combination, present a very challenging and complex environment for the public sector and the wider economy in Wales.”
Adrian Crompton said: “I’ve spent a lot of time listening and speaking to public bodies across Wales and staff at the WAO. The ambitions in this annual plan reflect a lot of what I have heard.
“People value the work we do and the contributions we make. But I know we can be even more effective in driving improvements to areas that matter most to the people of Wales.”
