‘Public Accountability and Governance for Accounting Officers’

This half-day seminar targeted newly appointed Accounting Officers. Focusing on the responsibilities of Accounting Officers, it provided 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 National School of Government associate, presents the seminar which includes case study material, extracts from the proceedings of Public Accounts Committees, and contributions from the Northern Ireland Audit Office and the Department of Finance and Personnel.

The programme covered:

• 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.

The fee for this seminar, which is repeatable, is £375+ VAT.

Links...

House of Commons Public Accounts Committee
Northern Ireland Assembly Public Accounts Committee
Northern Ireland Audit Office
Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP)
DFP Accountability and Accountancy Services Division
'Dear Accountancy Officer' letters
National School of Government
HM Treasury Public Spending & Reporting
Malone House - location map