Review into Gov procurement during pandemic

Wednesday 22 September 2021

A panel of politicians has launched a review into covid disruption to Government departments, the delivery of support measures, and whether procurement during the pandemic complied with all of the island's rules.

The review is being conducted by the Public Accounts Committee, which is responsible for scrutinising how taxpayers' money is spent.

The PAC says that, following previous scrutiny reviews and those from the Comptroller and Auditor General, it can "can add value" to this work through a "retrospective, objective review" of its own around the Government's actions during the pandemic.

Pictured: Leading the review is Constable Karen Shenton-Stone.

Key issues it says it will address include:

• The impact of covid-19 response measures on departmental business as usual activities
• Methods of measuring, monitoring and reporting that the Government used
• Whether the Government applied public funds for the purpose intended by the States in responding to the pandemic and complied with the Public Finances (Jersey) Law and Public Finances Manual
• Whether sound financial practice was applied

It later adds that it will take particular focus on other issues like procurement and supply chain management, healthcare, communication, testing, tracing and vaccine programmes, and support given to businesses and individuals.

The review will be coordinated by PAC's 'Covid-19 Response Sub-Group', which is being led for this review by its Vice Chair, Constable Karen Shenton-Stone.

Joining her will be Constables Andy Jehan and John Le Maistre, with Dr Helen Miles as a lay member of the panel.

Constable Shenton-Stone said: "It's essential that we reflect on all aspects of the Island's response to the pandemic in order to learn and be better prepared for the future."

The panel are welcoming any comments from the public about the Government's response measures, "with a particular emphasis on the delivery of support measures, supply chain procurement, and measures to safeguard public health (including but not limited to the Stay Home procedures)."

Those who wish to submit comments to the review can email scrutiny@gov.je.