How can audit results contribute to real change in public administration? Representatives of the Supreme Audit Institution of Dominica sought answers to this question in Latvia, where, together with experts from the State Audit Office of Latvia, they worked on improving audit methodology, strengthening the institution’s strategic development, and preparing for more active cooperation with key stakeholders. The visit is part of an international project through which the State Audit Office of Latvia provides expert support to help strengthen public sector governance and accountability in Dominica.
The visit focused on practical work related to financial, performance, and compliance audit methodology, the use of data analytics in audits, as well as the development of the Strategic Plan of the Supreme Audit Institution of Dominica for 2027–2032.
Attention was paid to cooperation with key stakeholders — Parliament, the media, civil society, and audited entities. An important part of the visit was also preparation for the Stakeholder Engagement Week planned to take place in Dominica in November. The aim of the event is to strengthen dialogue between the Supreme Audit Institution, Parliament, the media, civil society, and other public administration institutions. Representatives of the State Audit Office of Latvia will also contribute their experience and expertise to the event.
Ann Marie George, senior auditor at the Audit Department of Dominica (SAI Dominica), who took part in the visit together with three other colleagues, emphasized that she is excited to see how this strengthened foundation will drive public value and elevate the work of our SAI. Comparing the institution’s capacity before 2023 with where it stands today, she noted that the knowledge and skills developed have significantly increased staff confidence in carrying out the SAI’s work. Thanks to the support provided by the State Audit Office of Latvia and other partners, the institution has been able to significantly strengthen and improve its audit processes. This has also been acknowledged by SAI Dominica's stakeholders, who have indicated improvement in the quality of audit reports.
Speaking about this particular visit, Ms. George noted that a common goal, a cohesive team and a clear plan demonstrate just how much can be achieved during a two-week visit. “We reviewed audit documentation and developed audit process maps, thereby moving one step closer to the introduction of the new online audit management system, A-SEAT. We also began working on the framework for the new development strategy and prepared the programme and communication plan for a major stakeholder engagement event to be organised later this year in Dominica”.
Agnese Jaunzeme, Head of the Regional Division of the State Audit Office of Latvia, stated: "looking back on the past two years and the resources invested by the State Audit Office of Latvia in supporting SAI Dominica, we are pleased that this investment has proved worthwhile and delivered tangible results, significantly improving the quality of their audits. We are confident that more effective oversight of the use of public funds will strengthen society’s trust in public institutions and, in the long term, also contribute to reinforcing the independence of SAI Dominica."
This cooperation helps address the challenges faced by SAI Dominica. International assessments show that it is necessary to strengthen both the institution’s independence and its cooperation with Parliament, the media, and society, so that audit results can more effectively contribute to responsible management of public funds and drive change in public administration.
To gain a broader understanding of Latvia’s public governance ecosystem, the colleagues from Dominica also met with representatives of the Public Council of the State Audit Office of Latvia, the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia, and the Treasury. These discussions helped provide a better understanding of how different institutions and groups in society contribute to strengthening responsible governance and public accountability.
The greatest value of the State Audit Office of Latvia in international projects lies in the knowledge and experience of its people. By sharing Latvia’s expertise in audit methodology, data analytics, strategic planning, and communication, we help partner countries strengthen their Supreme Audit Institutions. At the same time, we demonstrate our competence in public sector auditing internationally, with our most significant contribution being knowledge, professional experience, and practical solutions that support responsible management of public funds. Our experts, in turn, gain new experience, international contacts, and the opportunity to look at familiar processes from a different perspective, thereby also contributing to the development of the work of the State Audit Office of Latvia.
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Since July 2023, the State Audit Office of Latvia has been implementing the INTOSAI IDI Global SAI Accountability Initiative (GSAI) project to support the SAI of Dominica. The first phase of the project concluded in July 2025, and the second phase is currently being implemented and will conclude at the end of this year. The project is implemented in cooperation with INTOSAI IDI and the Caribbean Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (CAROSAI), and is funded by the European Union and the SAI of Saudi Arabia through INTOSAI IDI.