E-guide On Participatory Audit

Citizen Engagement Practices by Supreme Audit Institutions: Tools and Methods

  1. Module 02
  2. Introduction

Overview

This module introduces a framework to help SAIs identify the different available entry points for conducting citizen engagement initiatives throughout the audit cycle, according to their particular context, capacities, and objectives.

The module is divided into two main sections: 1. Communicating with the Public, and 2. Citizen Participation in the Audit Process.

The first section touches upon communication strategies, a critical pillar for fostering SAI–citizen engagements. The emphasis of this section is on equipping SAIs with the necessary tools and methodologies to draft an effective communication plan to (a) make audit information accessible to a diverse audience, (b) collaborate with media and diverse stakeholders to amplify their message, and (c) ensure widespread dissemination of audit findings.

The second section presents various entry points for SAI–citizen engagement during the audit cycle by providing tools and methods to assist readers in designing and implementing a successful engagement strategy. This section includes experiences from countries around the world describing how citizens effectively participate (a) in the audit planning process, (b) during audit implementation, (c) at the time of the audit dissemination, or (d) when monitoring implementation of audit recommendations. Those examples showcase the results that can be achieved through collaboration in practice.

Learning Objectives

At the end of Module 2, you will be able to do the following:

  • Understand why a communication strategy is key to engage the public, and know the basic approach to develop such a strategy
  • Describe the different models of citizen engagement and their applications in the exercise of public scrutiny
  • Describe public participation at each stage of the audit cycle and identify some of the tools and methods that can be applied to enhance engagement at each stage

Any comments? Please notify us here.

Go to next Chapter

Bibliography

Nino, E. (2009): “Access to Public Information and Citizen Participation in Supreme Audit Institutions”, Buenos Aires, ACIJ.

IDI-INTOSAI (2013): “How to increase the use and impact of audit reports”.

DESA & INTOSAI (2011): “Effective practices of cooperation between SAIs and citizens to enhance public accountability”.

UN (2006):“Dialogue on Civil Society Engagement in Public Accountability”, Workshop Report, Manila, Philippines.

Cornejo, C. (2012): “Citizenship and Supreme Audit Institutions: Transparency, Civic Participation and Accountability”, report on the Expert´s Forum, coordinated on behalf of the TPA INITIATIVE (April 16th to 27th, 2012) in the Journal of the Ibero- American Experts’ Network Nº 9, pp. 42-47, Madrid, 1st semester.

TPA INITIATIVE – ACIJ, (2013): “Information Technologies and Public Control in Latin America. Contributions and Best Practices for the Strengthening of Supreme Audit Institution Websites”.

Castro, M., Cornejo, C. et al (2013): “Transparency, Participation and Accountability in Public Oversight: advancing Latin American SAIs agenda at the subnational level” in Supreme Audit Institutions. Accountability for development, NOMOS, INTOSAI-GIZ.

UN-INTOSAI (2011): “Audit and Advisory by SAIs: Risks and Opportunities, as well as Possibilities for Engaging Citizens”, Conclusions of the 22nd Symposium held in Vienna, March 5–7.

Van Zyl, A. (2013): “Greasing the Wheels of the Accountability System: How Civil Society Organizations close the Gap between Transparency and Accountability”, Washington D.C., International Budget Partnership.

Dassen, N. Arias, J. et al (2009): “Strengthening responsibility from public officials: building bridges between oversight agencies and civil society”.

Ramkumar, V. &Krafchik, W. (2006): “The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Auditing and Public Finance Management”, The International Budget Project.

Guillan Montero, A. (2012): “Building bridges: Advancing transparency and participation through the articulation of Supreme Audit Institutions and civil society”, Paper presented at the 2nd Transatlantic Conference on Transparency Research, Utrecht, June 7-9.

ELLA (2012): “The Latin American Approach to Improving Public Spending Oversight”.

OLACEFS – GIZ/BMZ (2012): “Citizen participation in public oversight: good practices for strengthening relationships between SAIs and citizenship”, Commission on Citizen Participation, San José.

INTOSAI (2013): “Challenges of SAIs regarding Sustainable and Efficient Ways to Communicate their Audit Findings and Recommendations”, INTOSAI Basic Paper, 22nd UN/INTOSAI Symposium, Vienna, March 5-7.