National studies
The Audit Commission national studies programme aims to improve local public services through its independent authoritative analysis of national evidence and local practice. Our national reports address strategic issues affecting specific sectors as well as the public sector as a whole. The research identifies practice that works, highlights emerging findings and examines national trends to influence local practice and national policy.
The legal basis for this work is the Audit Commission Act 1998 (Part III, sections 33-40) (external link).
We have duties to undertake studies designed to enable us to make recommendations to improve the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of certain public bodies and improve the financial or other management of local public bodies. In health, while responsibility for commenting on national value for money in the health service was transferred to the Healthcare Commission in 2004, we continue to report nationally on financial management.
In housing, the Commission and the Housing Corporation have an ongoing programme of research, which is undertaken under Section 55 and Schedule 3 of the Housing Act 1996 and Section 40 of the Audit Commission Act 1998. Under this legislation, the two bodies may agree programmes of comparative studies designed to allow the Commission to make recommendations to improve the economy, efficiency and effectiveness of housing associations. The Housing Corporation meets the cost of these studies.
Our findings are widely communicated by publishing national reports, holding national and regional events and developing improvement tools for use by local public bodies and our staff. We are uniquely placed to effect change by linking our findings to the tools, knowledge and capacity that our auditors and performance staff can use to influence change at a local level.
Improving our Impact
We commissioned the Office of Public Management (OPM) to help us better understand the contribution our national studies make to improving public services, and how we could increase it in the future. The research used both qualitative and quantitative methods to explore key areas in depth. Methods included a web-based survey of managers in local public services across all sectors and national stakeholders; consultation with public sector managers through six interactive workshops; a literature review of how evidence is used in improving public services; and interviews with senior Commission staff. The attached summary of findings in 'Improving Our Impact' and 'Literature Review' provide further information.
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