New government spending watchdog proposed

Wednesday 21 August 2019

A Senior Partner from PwC's Cardiff office with nearly three decades of experience in the private and public sector has been proposed to take on the role of government spending watchdog early next year.

Lynn Pamment will become Jersey’s new Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) in January if the States Assembly agrees with her appointment.

She has been put forward to take over from Karen McConnell by the Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, and the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Senator Sarah Ferguson.

Having reached the end of her fixed seven-year term, Ms McConnell announced in March that she was to step down. During her time as C&AG, she was responsible for probing a number of different areas of the Government of Jersey, exposing problems and making recommendations along the way. 

Her work included reviews on the Innovation Fund, Visit Jersey, Jersey’s health and social care system, Government grants and Jersey Property Holdings. 

Pictured: Karen McConnell started her seven-year term in 2013.

Ms Pamment has more than 29 years’ experience of working in an assurance and advisory capacity in both the private and public sectors in England and Wales. 

Following a first-class honours degree from Cardiff University, she went on to achieve an ICAEW prize in her accountancy examinations, and has since become a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. 

Throughout her career at PwC, Ms Pamment has led major audit and advisory assignments in the public sector, working with central government, local government, healthcare and non-profit organisations. She has also been responsible for PwC’s relationship with the National Audit Office, the body responsible for scrutinising public spending in the UK.  

Pictured: The States Assembly will have to approve Ms Pamment's proposal before she can be formally appointed.

The Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, said: “The role of the C&AG is vital for Jersey: providing robust independent assurance to the States Assembly, ensuring that public finances are used in accordance with the Law, and considering the efficacy and effectiveness of our Government.”

The Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Senator Sarah Ferguson, added: “The Public Accounts Committee is looking forward to Ms Pamment’s tenure as the C&AG, continuing the essential work of ensuring value for money for the public and efficient and effective corporate governance.”

The States Assembly will consider Ms Pamment’s appointment, which was overseen by the Jersey Appointments Commission, on 24 September.