Capacity Development

We deliver capacity development workshops that are individualized for each Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Each workshop combines a series of modules, depending on a PAC’s needs. Modules will vary in size, from 20 minutes, to 1.5 hours, depending on the content and needs identified. We will consult with stakeholders to determine the best combination of modules.

Our modules include:

• Introduction to Parliamentary Oversight

  This module is designed for new parliamentarians or those who want to:

  • understand their role in parliamentary oversight,
  • improve their oversight role,
  • understand the various roles of elected officials, and
  • clarify the purpose of the Public Accounts Committee and the role of the auditor general.

  Duration: 20 minutes

• Understanding Performance Audit

  This module provides an introduction to performance audits. Participants will establish an appreciation for the importance of this type of audit and learn how to read performance audit reports.

  Duration: 20 minutes

• Planning and Priority Setting

  This module covers good practices including:

  • the role of the steering committee,
  • scheduling meetings,
  • developing constructive relationships,
  • interactions with witnesses,and
  • how to determine which reports to prioritize and how to clear backlogs.

  Duration: 20 minutes

• Your Committee in a Comparative Perspective

  This module focuses on key attributes of interest to the committee. It demonstrates how a particular committee, at a given time, compares with other jurisdictions in Canada and/or internationally.

  Duration: 20 minutes

• Familiarizing Yourself with the Public Accounts

  This module provides an overview of:

  • what is included in the Public Accounts,
  • how they are developed,
  • why they are important to a Public Accounts Committee, and
  • potential questions that could be asked in a session on the Public Accounts.

  Duration: 1 hour

• Recent Trends in National/Global Public Accounts Committees

  This module focuses on domestic and/or international trends. It provides Committee members with an idea of what other committees are focused on, the challenges they face, and how they have overcome these challenges. It exposes participants to ideas beyond their jurisdiction to expand their understanding and improve their oversight “tool kit.”

  Duration: 20 minutes

• The Importance of a Strong Auditor General-Public Accounts Committee Relationship

  This module explains the accountability relationship between the Auditor General and Public Accounts Committee. It introduces participants to the symbiotic nature of the relationship and to good practices in maintaining it. The module can introduce different roles the Auditor General plays in jurisdictions, or can provide a jurisdictional-specific explanation of the Auditor General's role. Participants will develop an appreciation for the relationship and will acquire the tools to maintain it.

  Duration: 30 minutes

• Asking Effective Questions

  This module helps Committee members to formulate appropriate and effective questions for both the Auditor General and witnesses. It will also provide an overview of the appropriate witnesses to call and provide advice on preparation and follow-up with witnesses.

  Duration: time varies

• Issuing Recommendations

  This module helps Committee members to understand the purpose of recommendations by the Auditor General and the Public Accounts Committee. It covers the creation of good recommendations and tracking the implementation of recommendations. (This can include an overview of the current system in the jurisdiction and/or examples from other jurisdictions.) This module uses an interactive exercise that gives Committee members the opportunity to practise issuing and evaluating recommendations.

  Duration: time varies

• Improving the Follow-up Process

  This module focuses on improving follow-up and emphasizes the importance of a strong relationship with the Auditor General. It can include an assessment and discussion on the existing oversight structure in place, allowing participants to assess their own effectiveness, and/or give examples of effective practices in other jurisdictions.

  Duration: time varies

• Reducing Partisanship

  This module shows participants why oversight committees operate more effectively when partisanship is reduced. It shows the distinction between institutional and human factors that can decrease partisanship. It can use an interactive exercise with video clips and can be used to demonstrate different perspectives on partisanship.

  Duration: 20 minutes + exercises

• Employing the Self-Assessment Tools

  This module introduces participants to a tool to help them assess their effectiveness. Facilitators will walk them through a process of strategic planning to set priorities and goals that will help the Public Accounts Committees increase their effectiveness.

  Duration: 20 minutes

Additional topics may be developed at a jurisdiction's request.

Sample Agendas

• Improving PAC Effectiveness
• Orientation for newly formed oversight committees