Auditor-General’s report on Health Benefits Limited

Auditor-General’s report on Health Benefits Limited published

In November 2014, Hon Annette King asked the Auditor-General to look into the performance of Health Benefits Limited (HBL).

The Auditor-General decided to look into the costs and benefits of HBL’s work in the health sector and, where possible, identify lessons that might benefit HBL’s successors and other shared services programmes.

We found that several factors contributed to the difficulties that befell HBL and, in particular, the Finance, Procurement and Supply Chain (FPSC) programme. These include an ambitious and complex programme; inadequate communication with DHBs; a lack of timely and accurate information for HBL’s board; and no overall project management. Although DHBs approved the FPSC business case, some DHBs’ commitment to the programme appears to have been limited.

From early 2014, HBL’s board made some changes that improved relationships with the health sector and enhanced programme governance and management.

Our response to Ms King also lists 11 lessons that could help other public entities better manage new programmes.

The full response is available on our website.

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