Saint Helena’s Audit Body Cracks Down on Financial Mismanagement

In a bid to promote transparency and accountability in Saint Helena’s public administration, the island’s audit body, Audit St Helena, is working tirelessly to ensure that government funds are used efficiently and effectively.

Key Responsibilities

As the chief auditor of Saint Helena, Audit St Helena’s main responsibility is to:

• Carry out financial and performance audits on behalf of the island’s citizens
• Promote public accountability in the public administration of Saint Helena
• Act as an adviser to the Public Accounts Committee
• Undertake any function conferred on it by or under any ordinance

Independence

Despite being employed under the same administrative rules and conditions as all other public offices of Saint Helena Government, Audit St Helena operates independently, reporting directly to the Governor. The Constitution ensures that:

• The Chief Auditor is independent and cannot be directed or controlled by:
  • The Governor
  • Executive Council
  • Legislative Council
  • Any other person

Audit Types

Audit St Helena conducts various types of audits, including:

• Financial audits: to ensure the accuracy and integrity of public sector accounts
• Performance audits: to determine whether resources have been used with regard to:
  • Economy
  • Efficiency
  • Effectiveness

Role in Governance

Through its rigorous auditing processes, Audit St Helena plays a crucial role in ensuring that Saint Helena’s government is:

• Transparent
• Accountable
• Fiscally responsible

By doing so, the audit body helps to maintain public trust and confidence in the island’s governance system.