We picked up the award at a prestigious ceremony on 20 April – along with its other public sector partners, including the NHS and Welsh Government.

The Public Finance Innovation Award was presented to members of the Finance Skills and Development Group. This is a ground breaking new scheme, developed in partnership with publically-funded organisations in Wales and chaired by Wales Audit Office Director, Ann-Marie Harkin. The pan-Wales project aims to promote the value and importance of a career in public finance, by providing secondments across public services; supporting trainee networks and developing leadership programmes.

The scheme sees the Wales Audit Office, working closely with colleagues in NHS Wales, local government, the police, fire and rescue services, Welsh Government and sponsored bodies, higher education and further education institutions – along with other Wales based publically-funded organisations, like the DVLA and Office for National Statistics.

Judges praised the scheme, saying: “This innovative model of finance training and development is an excellent reflection of the impact of its external alliances and collaborative working. A truly original, bottom-up, volunteer-led initiative.”

The Wales Audit Office was also a finalist in the ‘Achievement in Financial Reporting and Accountability’ category – acknowledging the innovative way it presents its Annual Report and Accounts, along with its Annual Plan, Estimates and Fee Scheme reports.

Assistant Auditor General, Anthony Barrett, said today:

“I am delighted that the hard work of Ann-Marie and colleagues, both from the Wales Audit Office and our partner organisations, has been publically recognised. They are working together effectively to enhance the financial management training that is available in the Welsh public sector. The real success, however, is not in the award itself but in the difference we are making to the development of financial management skills in Wales.”

Financial Audit Director, Ann-Marie Harkin, said today:

“This a great example of public sector collaboration at its best and I couldn’t be more proud of everyone. This initiative couldn’t have happened without the generous support of the National Assembly for Wales Finance Committee and we are grateful for their backing and recognition of the value this training scheme brings to Wales.