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Global Project on SAI Independence

An Innovative Approach. A Robust Process. A Global Team of Experts.

To truly understand why SAI independence is under pressure, we need to look beyond what’s written in law.

The Global Project on SAI Independence breaks new ground by investigating informal factors, like expectations of loyalty, public perceptions, or institutional culture that quietly shape how independence plays out in practice. Backed by a rigorous, mixed-methods approach, we combine qualitative insights and quantitative data from INTOSAI’s global network and beyond. With support from data experts at the OECD and Government Accountability Office (SAI USA), our methodology ensures the principles we develop are evidence-based, globally informed, and built to drive real change.

GLOBAL PROJECT

How We Collected the Data

Global perspectives. Local insights. Real-world experiences. To ensure the Global Project reflects realities on the ground, we’ve gathered data through a mix of methods and voices:
Planning workshops

to explore independence challenges in context and shape our fieldwork.

Surveys of SAIs in OECD countries 

to gather structured insights from key institutions.

Questionnaires for broader stakeholders – including non-OECD SAIs, civil society, and government actors.

Country visits and regional workshops 

where participants shared experiences and helped refine our approach.

Consultations with diverse stakeholders 

including SAIs, parliamentarians (via OECD networks), and civil society organisations.

Turning insight into action, with results that raise the bar

Hear how the Global Project on SAI Independence is performing rigorous research

IDI-OECD Global Project on SAI Independence Booklet: Initial Findings