Watchdog to probe government's virus response

Friday 24 April 2020

The new government watchdog is to launch a probe into the government's handling of the covid-19 pandemic.

Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) Lynn Pamment had formed an audit plan in January, but has now amended it in order to investigate any fiscal measures implemented by government in response to the virus crisis, as well as the resources used to tackle it.

As C&AG, Ms Pamment's role includes the audit of financial statements and wider consideration of public funds including internal financial control, value for money, and corporate governance.

She recently published her first report, slamming the Planning Department over its “poor” enforcement procedures and exposing a lack of clear process to avoid conflicts of interest, and a failure to implement recommendations from an internal review.

Pictured: Lynn Pamment took on the role of Comptroller and Auditor General on 1 January.

Having taken on the role on 1 January, following the departure of Karen McConnell after seven years, Ms Pamment published her original audit plan on 13 January. 

She said corporate governance would continue to be “a major focus as it underpins the arrangements that secure value for money and effective internal control”.

A large chunk of Ms Pamment’s work will involve looking into the changes brought on by the modernisation of the public service and the introduction of the Target Operating Model. 

It will include ensuring the recommendations made by her predecessor - especially those relating to financial management - have been implemented. 

But this year, Ms Pamment is also planning to audit the Jersey Development Company, complaints handling, anti-corruption arrangements, grants to cultural organisations and the long-term care fund among others.

Pictured: Ms Pamment will review the response to covid-19 to ensure "strong public accountability for the resources used in fighting the pandemic".

She has also added the government’s response to the pandemic as one of her areas for review. While the scope of such review has yet to be confirmed, Ms Pamment indicated that “fieldwork” could start in the summer.

"Since my audit plan was published on 13 January 2020, the coronavirus pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges for us all, including its effect on our everyday lives,” she said.

“In particular, the pandemic has called for an extraordinary response from the Government of Jersey as it seeks to save lives, safeguard health and protect livelihoods in Jersey. 

“The unparalleled nature and scale of the fiscal measures being taken in response to coronavirus reinforce the need for strong public financial management. 

“Equally, strong public accountability for the resources used in fighting the pandemic, through high quality financial reporting, will also be essential to making their overall impact on public sector finances fully transparent.”