Summary
The National Audit Office reports that the Ministry of Justice (the Ministry) has made progress in keeping track of its finances but its overall approach falls short of consistent best practice.
The financial performance of the Ministry impacts upon taxpayers, its partners and suppliers through its use of resources to deliver its core objective of developing a modern, fair, cost-effective and efficient system of justice.
In 'Financial Management Report: Ministry of Justice’ (HC 187), the ministry’s management was measured on:
- how it is organised and managed;
- its financial performance; and
- the National Audit Office’s (NAO) assessment of financial management within the Ministry.
The NAO assessed the Ministry’s financial management through semi-structured interviews with Ministry officials; analysis of Treasury data and departmental papers.
Key weaknesses identified include:
- the consistency of the Ministry’s financial management approach;
- the Ministry’s understanding of its costs;
- consolidation of the Ministry’s financial management systems and processes; and
- the delivery of the Ministry’s financial management improvement initiatives.
The Ministry has recognised the need to improve its financial management by introducing programmes to better understand its costs and integrate its financial systems. However, the NAO recommend that there needs to be more clarity in the delivery of initiatives for improved financial management.
Found this story interesting?
Spread the news by
clicking below to add it to your bookmarking service: