Policy Hub
A report published by the The Nuffield Foundation on 15 April 2010 focuses on the fact that a significant number of organisations in the UK are charged with the audit, inspection and scrutiny of government and any judgements they make impact on public services used by the population as a whole.
However, little is known about how these organisations collect and use evidence to reach such judgements and there is also uncertainty as to the difference their work makes to the organisations scrutinised.
The report examines how those tasked with audit, inspection and scrutiny use information. Eight principles are identified for the effective use of evidence. These principles, along with details of the research evidence underpinning them, are explored in some detail. The research comprises eight case studies of audit, inspection or scrutiny work undertaken in 2008–2009.
The report provides useful insights for anyone working in the audit, inspection and scrutiny field as well as policy makers who are seeking to understand more about government accountability.
Evidence for accountability: using evidence in the audit, inspection and scrutiny of UK government