Transparent, timely, and clear annual reporting in the public sector has never been more important. Annual reports and accounts are more than just numbers. They tell the story of an organisation’s performance, impact and aspirations.
Jump to downloadsHigh quality annual reports and accounts are fundamental to effective accountability.
Our involvement with PwC’s Building Trust Awards, where we co-sponsor the award in public sector reporting, is part of our wider commitment to help raise standards of reporting by public bodies.
A good annual report is a key opportunity for bodies in the public sector to:
- weave a compelling narrative that resonates with the public
- serve as a tool for accountability by shedding light on how taxpayer’s money has been spent
- equip stakeholders with information to hold organisations to account
This interactive guide sets out our good practice principles for annual reporting. A good annual report should:
- support accountability
- be transparent
- be accessible
- be understandable
How to use this guide
Our guide showcases real-world examples of good practice for annual reporting from organisations from the public sector who are leading the way.
The examples are laid out in relevant sections of an annual report:
- Strategy
- Risk
- Operations
- Governance
- Measures of success
- Financial performance
- External factors
The list is not definitive but should provide ideas on content and format for all bodies in both the public and private sector as they plan their annual reporting for 2024-25.
In addition, organisations in the public sector may find the guide that we share with bodies that we audit helpful. The guide sets out how reporting and auditing requirements have changed over recent years, and practical actions that organisations can take to support transparent, timely, and clear annual reporting.
If you would like further information about the guide, or any aspect of Annual Report and Accounts production and audit get in touch at Building.Public.Trust@nao.org.uk.
Downloads
- Good practice in annual reporting (.pdf — 10 MB)
