When you work in the public sector, the close scrutiny of your finances and operations can feel like a burdensome obligation. Let us help turn it into an opportunity.

Our public sector team have years of experience delivering a full range of practical and advisory services that help public sector organisations stay compliant, manage risk, maximise their finances and flourish in a challenging future.

It’s impossible to properly serve the public sector without an understanding of its culture, as well as the unique pressures and issues faced by organisations working in the space. Our experts combine deep knowledge of the sector with years of experience to deliver the rigorous, trustworthy and quality services that public bodies need to succeed.

Services we offer include:

Assurance.From statutory audits of public sector bodies to internal audit services, we give you confidence that your organisation’s business processes, financial records and capacity will allow it to meet its objectives.

Risk Management. Our risk management team help you manage your exposure to major risk and formulate contingency plans in case of disruption. All of our risk management work is tailored to your needs and complies with internationally recognised risk standards.

Governance. We advise many public sector organisations on their governance structure. The right set-up can support effective decision-making and satisfy the needs of stakeholders. We also provide seminars and workshops on governance responsibilities to help train boards.

Due diligence. At a time of reorganisation or restructuring it’s important to invest in independent due diligence to avoid hidden surprises. We have extensive experience of providing public sector due diligence services that allow informed decisions to be made in uncertain times.

Tax. While you may be exempt from many taxes as a public sector organisation, you’re not wholly immune. We offer specialist advice that makes compliance with the complex tax rules surrounding public sector bodies less of a burden, including employment tax advice, VAT consultancy, health checks and planning. And we’ll keep you updated with any changes to relevant legislation, too.

VAT health check. Without specialist advice it can be difficult to fully comprehend your VAT position as a public sector body. Our VAT health check will help you to avoid any costly mistakes; we can also help you to reduce your liability. Once we’ve assessed your position, we’ll advise you on what you need to do and how best to stay on top of your obligations to HMRC.

Arm's length organisation. Arm’s length organisations are becoming increasingly common within the public sector, and we understand the pressures that they face. From finding new ways of funding to finding cost efficiencies within the current structure, our team of experts can ensure that you are employing best practice and are remaining fully compliant with your obligations in issues affecting charitable trustees, directors and councillors. In fact, many of our partners and managers have direct experience of serving on boards of arm’s length bodies themselves.

Local government. Increasing service demands from an ageing population, the effects of the recent recession, rising public expectations and decreasing budgets… we understand the intense pressures on local authorities right now. We have over 50 years of experience in providing services to local government including external audits as well as specialist advice in areas such as procurement and change management. Most recently our experts have been working with local authorities to design new and innovative ways of delivering services including shared services, outsourcing and setting up of trusts and community franchises.