Introduction to Procurement Auditing

• Overview of public procurement processes and their significance.
• Key objectives of procurement audits: transparency, compliance, and accountability.
• International standards and best practices in procurement auditing.

Understanding Procurement Policies and Regulations

• Key laws and policies governing public procurement.
• Ethical considerations in procurement activities.
• Aligning procurement practices with organizational and public goals.

Evaluating Procurement Processes

• Steps in procurement: planning, tendering, evaluation, and contracting.
• Assessing compliance with procurement policies and guidelines.
• Identifying inefficiencies and areas for improvement.

Detecting Fraud and Irregularities

• Common fraud schemes in procurement, such as bid rigging and kickbacks.
• Recognizing red flags and high-risk areas.
• Tools and techniques for fraud detection in procurement activities.

Ensuring Value for Money

• Analyzing cost-effectiveness and efficiency in procurement decisions.
• Evaluating supplier performance and contract management.
• Recommendations for improving procurement outcomes.

Reporting and Recommending Improvements

• Structuring procurement audit reports for clarity and impact.
• Highlighting critical findings and actionable recommendations.
• Engaging with stakeholders to implement changes and ensure accountability.

Case Studies and Practical Exercises

• Real-world examples of procurement audits in public sector organizations.
• Hands-on activities to evaluate procurement activities and detect irregularities.
• Group discussions on challenges and solutions in auditing procurement processes.

Enhanced Practical Experience:
Participants will engage in interactive sessions to simulate procurement audit scenarios, focusing on compliance evaluation, fraud detection, and efficiency analysis. Practical exercises will include assessing procurement records, identifying risks, and drafting comprehensive audit reports. Case studies will highlight real-world challenges and successes in improving procurement practices, equipping participants with actionable insights to enhance transparency and accountability.

Delivered by the Oxford Institute of Education and Training, this course ensures participants are prepared to conduct effective procurement audits, safeguarding public resources and promoting integrity in government operations.