Focusing on the responsibilities of Accounting Officers, it provides an essential and concise introduction to the principles and mechanisms of public accountability as they affect the handling of public money and all aspects of the conduct of public business.
Brian Whalley, an independent consultant and acknowledged expert in this field, presents the seminars which include case study material, extracts from the proceedings of Public Accounts Committees, and contributions from the Comptroller and Auditor General, (NIAO) and the Treasury Officer of Accounts, (DFP).
The programme covers:
• The principles and conventions governing the accountability of the civil service and other public bodies to the Northern Ireland Assembly;
• Relationships between core government departments and their arm's length bodies;
• Regularity, propriety and value for money; The specific duties and responsibilities of the Accounting Officer;
• The principles governing the stewardship of public funds, and the proper conduct of public business;
• The role of the Northern Ireland Audit Office and the Assembly's Public Accounts Committee; and
• Developments in corporate governance in the government sector.