
The 2017-18 cohort were the pilot for the SYL. Twenty SYLs, who completed the programme, worked on change strategy proposals in several key areas that have impacted/will impact SAI capacity and performance. Many of the proposals are innovative and future oriented. The topics they cover range from ISSAI Implementation strategies, communication strategies, digital solutions using data analytics, value chain reporting, strengthening follow up mechanisms etc.
SAI | SYL | SAI Change Strategy | Achievements |
---|---|---|---|
Argentina | Marcela Margot Carrillat | Empowering citizens in monitoring the 2030 agenda for sustainable development | Conducted training and stakeholder engagement workshops with SAI staff, CSOs and citizens. |
Bhutan | Kinley Zam | How to achieve audit impact and promote accountability: Rethinking follow-up mechanism | Royal Audit Authority Follow Up Guidelines 2018 developed and approved. |
Botswana | Boitumelo Mogaleemang | Reinforcing new behaviours: An ISSAI implementation project | Engagement with internal and local government stakeholders for conducting local government audits as per ISSAIs. |
Botswana | Seolebaleng Nkhisang | Embracing Change - An enabler of strategic excellence | Piloted two IT Audits using IT Audit Working Papers. Developed a risk matrix for ranking the IT Audit universe. |
China | Yuzhu Zhang | Real Time Auditing System on the Implementation of National Foreign Fund Policies | Pilot real time audit of implementation of National Foreign Fund Policies – primary audit findings and first audit meeting held. |
Costa Rica | Carolina Retana Valverde | Addressing challenge: application of multi-criteria analysis in PA linked to SDGs | Multi Criteria Analysis methodology developed and two performance audits conducted and published using this methodology. |
Costa Rica | Falon Stephany Arias Calero | Innovative approach in comprehensive audit services to increase public value (design thinking) | Developed design thinking methodology for SAI Costa Rica. Trained a design thinking team and facilitated use of design thinking approach in audit. |
Estonia | Eva-Maria Asari | Better engagement with external stakeholders | Reviewed existing stakeholder practices, developed principles for stakeholder engagement to be introduced in the audit guidelines. |
Fiji | Alani Draunidalo | Enhancing Delivery of Audit Services through effective stakeholder engagement | Stakeholder engagement strategy for SAI Fiji |
Finland | Jenni Leppalahti | Adding Value through cooperation in Regional audits | Created stakeholder connections, capacity planning and a joint audit planning process to prepare for Finnish Government Regional Reform leading to expansion of SAI mandate to audit regional government. |
FSM Pohnpei | Cherry Lyn D, Somcio | Communication Strategy | Communication strategy for SAI Pohnpei and increased public awareness through outreach activities |
India | R. Monica | E2E IT Solution for digital audit of GST (Goods and Services Tax) | Development of data warehouse module, knowledge management system module, modules for data analysis and risk assessment. Interdisciplinary project team formed, project board constituted, 40 champions in user offices, development and delivery of training. |
Liberia | Mambiyea M. Wounuah | GAC E-Data Repository | Stakeholder Consultation, Definition of Scan Document Standards, identification of available paper documents, segregation of documents as per statutory relevance. |
Maldives | Izmeera Shiham | Adaptation of HR policies and practices to be a model organization | HR strategy for SAI Maldives |
Maldives | Mohamed Riznee | Making a difference to the lives of citizens through ISSAI based performance auditing | Revised performance audit manual for SAI Maldives |
Malta | Rebecca Vassallo | Audit Smart: Integrating Data Analytics in Auditing | Developed data analytics infrastructure, including the choice and installation of the data analytics software, the set-up of a functional data analytics team, provided data analytics training, conducted research into the use of data analytics in public sector auditing and readiness of the audit environment and planned the pilot project audit. |
Samoa | Oceanbaby Penitio | Innovation is Quality | Piloted stakeholder analysis and RACI analysis tools for inclusion in performance audit manual |
South Africa | Eugene de Haan | Value Chain Reporting- Auditing for Greater Impact | Added value to the auditee and audit committee through value chain auditing. More than 50% positive response to a stakeholder survey after audit engagement. |
South Africa | Melissa McCarthy | Let go of the old and embrace the new | Development of business unit internal communication plan following amendments to South Africa’s Public Audit Act |
Thailand | Sineenat Photichai | Enhancing effective follow up mechanism for performance audit | Developed and piloted follow up mechanism for performance audit |
Some of the SYLs also shared their ideas and experiences through the International Journal for Government Auditing and through other publications. http://intosaijournal.org/maltas-sai-unveils-auditsmart/ http://intosaijournal.org/inform-consult-involve-collaborate-empower/
In addition to the value added to the SAIs the SYLs grew as leaders and developed their potential throughout the initiative.

The other key value that the programme created was ‘innovation’. Throughout the programme the SYLs experimented with and tried new solutions, leading their own growth process. Our discussions led to some very interesting and innovative solutions. Some of the innovative work included.
SYL Community Values – SYL’s debated hard on their values. They agreed on five values and identified behaviours that would reflect those values. Throughout the programme we have endeavoured to keep each other accountable for those values.
SYL Integrated Change Plan – We started the programme with a SAI change strategy plan. Following discussions with the SYL during the first interaction the SAI change strategy plan blossomed into a SYL Integrated Change Plan. This holistic change plan was based on the GROW model and included a ME plan for the SYL’s personal growth, Exposure Plan to cover all aspects that the SYL would be exposed to in the SAI, Coaching Plan to shape interaction between SAI Coaches and SYLs and SAI Change Strategy Plan, which would contribute to positive change in the SAI. A team of SYLs designed the integrated plan format.
Besides contributing to innovation in the programme, the SYLs also demonstrated innovative thinking both in their personal development and in the SAI Change strategy proposals. The empathy algorithm is one of the many examples of innovative thinking in personal development. It was a part of one of the SYL’s exploration of a personal meaning of ‘empathy’.
20 SAI Young Leaders graduated the programme
95% women SYL graduates
Positive Change in the SAI
SYLs lead implementation of 20 innovative and future oriented SAI change strategies implemented.
Change strategy ranged from ISSAI Implementation strategies, communication strategies, digital solutions using data analytics, value chain reporting, strengthening follow up mechanisms etc.
SYLs and IDI together introduced innovations
SYL Leadership Link
SYL Community Values
SYL Integrated Plan (Me Plan, Coaching Plan, Exposure Plan and Change Strategy)
SYL Digital Year Book
EI Assessments and Coaching
SYL Communication and Sustainability Plan