ROLE 2: Assess Performance Information:
Practice 2a.Test relevance or reliability: Test or certify performance measurement relevance, reliability, or both.
British Columbia Auditor General [Profile]
British Columbia’s Office of the Auditor General (OAG) has been assessing government performance reports since 2000 (see practice 2b). In doing so, the OAG staff examine the relevance and reliability of performance measures for some engagements. In 2005, the OAG staff especially considered their criteria for relevance and prepared a discussion paper on the topic (see “tool” below). Focusing on relevance of performance measures, the paper explores how to audit the relevance of performance measures, and cites 3 questions that can be used as criteria, along with critiques and conclusions on using these questions as criteria:
- Are the reported measures of interest to external stakeholders?
- Are the measures consistent with accepted and widely used industry benchmarks?
- Are the measures reported consistent with a strategic framework used by the organization to manage performance?
The paper also discusses the applicability of direct audits versus attestation for assessing relevance.
Tool:
Providing “Fairly Presents” Assurance for Performance Reports: A Methodology Discussion Paper Focused on the Relevance Assertion, November 2005 (DOC) |
