Who We Are
Who we are
We are the UK’s independent public spending watchdog
Our position is unique. We support Parliament in holding the government to account and we help improve public services through our high-quality audits.
Our Work In Numbers in 2025-26
- 413 audit certifications
- 61 value for money and wider assurance reports published
- 6 good practice guides and 7 lessons learned reports addressing cross-government challenges
- 17 departmental overviews
- 57 Committee of Public Accounts sessions supported
Highlights
- 96% of our recommendations were accepted or partially accepted by government
- 88% of MPs agreed our work leads to better financial management and reporting in government
- 72% of senior officials in the bodies we audit agree we help bring about beneficial change
This means we work for, and for the good of all citizens in our country. Our work is extraordinarily influential and impactful. We are independent of government and the civil service.
We help our economy and society work better – supporting and enabling improvements in financial management and the way in vital public services are delivered right across the public sector to millions of people every day. For you, this means challenging and varied work that has real benefit for the nation.
We work across a range of topics that affect public life — from health and social care, welfare, transport, and education, to defence, environmental sustainability, digital infrastructure, and risk and resilience. We also produce insights, overviews, good practice guides and recommendations aimed at helping public organisations improve.
Our mission is founded on independence, integrity, and impact. As a non-ministerial department, we operate impartially, reporting our findings directly to Parliament. We adhere to strict standards in auditing and financial reporting. Our role is not just to identify problems, but to support and encourage improvements in government operations.
Our Impact
Making a Difference Across Government
In 2025, our work delivered £2.6 billion of positive financial impact, equivalent to £24 of value for every £1 spent running the NAO. Our recommendations help government improve financial management, strengthen public services and deliver better outcomes for citizens across the UK.
Our influence extends beyond financial savings. We audit more than 400 government accounts each year, examine how public money is spent, and provide insights that help government organisations work more effectively, manage risk and deliver better value for taxpayers.
As an NAO audit trainee, you’ll contribute to work that has a real impact, helping to improve government and public services while developing a professional qualification and building a rewarding career.
Click here to view our Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26
