UK: Brydon Review launches 'call for views' regarding audit quality and effectiveness

Earlier this year, the terms of reference for Sir Donald Brydon's review of the quality and effectiveness of the UK audit market were published: see here (pdf). These have been followed today by a 'call for views': see here (pdf). In very general terms, the review is seeking "views, supported by evidence wherever possible, on the extent of assurance that audit currently provides to the users of financial statements, and how it might develop to meet better those users’ needs and to serve the interests of other stakeholders and the wider public interest". It is stressed that attention should focus on the audit process and audit product. Views are particularly invited on how the statutory audit of public interest entities could be improved to provide greater assurance to shareholders and other stakeholders.