Support

Inspections and the proceedings that follow them can take a long time and bring a heavy professional and personal burden. The foundation offers inspected statutory auditors legal and psychological support at every stage.

Legal help

We give free legal advice to statutory auditors and other people in public trust professions. We help you understand the rights of the inspected auditor at every stage: from the notice of inspection, through objections to the report, to administrative and disciplinary proceedings.

In cases of systemic importance we prepare legal opinions and positions, and as a civic organisation we can apply to take part in proceedings.

We do not replace a legal representative in proceedings. Activities reserved for advocates and attorneys-at-law are carried out only by people holding those qualifications.

Psychological support

An inspection that drags on for months and proceedings that last for years are a burden rarely talked about in the profession. We are building a network of psychologists who understand the specifics of public trust professions. We run support programmes for professional crises and workshops on stress and burnout, discreetly and without judgement. If you need a conversation rather than legal advice, say so plainly.

Mediation

We are setting up a mediation centre specialising in disputes concerning public trust professions. Mediation in disputes with the oversight body is not currently provided for in the inspection procedure. That is why introducing it is one of our proposals.

Knowledge and training

We run free training and workshops on the rights of the inspected party, supervisory procedures and proceedings before authorities and administrative courts. We provide free guides and materials.

The foundation in your proceedings

Article 31 § 1 of the Code of Administrative Procedure

A civic organisation may, in a case concerning another person, request: 1) the initiation of proceedings, 2) its admission to participate in the proceedings, if this is justified by the statutory objectives of that organisation and the public interest so requires.

The authority decides on admitting the foundation by an order, which can be appealed. Once admitted, the foundation takes part in the proceedings with the rights of a party. If it does not take part, it may present its view on the case with the authority’s consent.

Article 31 of the Code applies to administrative proceedings, above all PANA proceedings concerning a penalty for an audit firm or for a statutory auditor operating in their own name. If the decision goes to an administrative court, a civic organisation may also apply to take part in the court proceedings. Article 31 does not cover the inspection itself or disciplinary proceedings. At these stages we can prepare a legal opinion that you attach to your own submission, for example to objections to the report.

Frequently asked questions

Who can ask for help?

Statutory auditors and audit firms, especially small ones, as well as people in other public trust professions.

Is the help paid?

We agree the scope and form of help individually, depending on the case and the foundation’s capacity.

Will my case remain confidential?

We do not disclose who has contacted us. In our research and publications we use only aggregated and anonymised data.

Report a case

Are you going through an inspection or proceedings? Tell us what stage the case is at and what it concerns.