Montserrat National Audit Office Joins Regional Initiative to Strengthen Audit Quality
The Montserrat National Audit Office (SAI Montserrat) participated in a pivotal regional workshop aimed at establishing robust Systems of Audit Quality Management (SoAQM) for Caribbean Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs). The event, from 15th to 19th June, 2026 was held recently in Kingston, Jamaica, brought together 27 participants from 10 SAIs across the region.
The initiative, a collaborative effort between the Caribbean Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (CAROSAI) and the INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI), focused on building institutional capacity to consistently deliver high-quality, high-impact audits.
“Audit quality does not happen by chance. It requires leadership, commitment, and systems that enable Supreme Audit Institutions to consistently deliver high-quality, high-impact audits.”
📊 Understanding the SoAQM Framework
A System of Audit Quality Management (SoAQM) is a comprehensive, organizational-level system designed to support SAIs in conducting high-quality audits that fulfill professional standards and legal requirements . Unlike static quality control systems of the past, the SoAQM is dynamic, scalable, and risk-based, focusing on key management processes rather than rigid component definitions.
The framework encompasses eight critical components, including quality risk management, governance and leadership, ethical requirements, audit performance, and continuous monitoring and remediation . This transition aligns with the revised ISSAI 140, which sets elevated standards for managing audit quality within SAIs globally.
🌋 Why This Matters for Montserrat
As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Montserrat faces unique governance challenges where strong audit quality systems are essential for supporting accountability, transparency, and public trust in the use of public resources. The SoAQM provides a tailored approach that addresses the specific needs and structural realities of SAIs in small island contexts.
The workshop represented a significant milestone in the Caribbean region’s commitment to strengthening audit quality through regional cooperation and shared learning. Participants explored audit quality management principles, discussed quality risks and appropriate responses, and developed implementation strategies for their respective institutions.
🔍 Looking Ahead
The workshop in Jamaica marks the beginning of a longer-term implementation journey. SAI Montserrat, along with the other participating Caribbean SAIs, will now focus on:
- Designing their tailored SoAQM frameworks based on institutional needs assessments
- Implementing the core processes and components within their organizations
- Continuously improving the system through monitoring and remediation
This initiative reflects the shared commitment of CAROSAI, IDI, and participating SAIs to strengthening audit quality through collaboration and mutual support . The excellent coordination by the CAROSAI Secretariat and host SAI Jamaica was instrumental in the event’s success.
To learn more about the SoAQM initiative and its implementation in the Caribbean, please visit: https://monkeylink.co/84fdfb.
Tags: #AuditQuality #QualityManagement #SAIs #SIDS #CAROSAI #INTOSAI #IDI #Montserrat