New public spending watchdog appointed as audit law updated

States Members have approved the appointment of Jersey’s next public spending watchdog and backed changes to the law that governs how government finances are independently scrutinised.

In two unanimous votes this week, the States Assembly confirmed Paul Dossett as the next Comptroller and Auditor General and approved updates to the Comptroller and Auditor General (Jersey) Law 2014.

Mr Dossett will take up the role on 1 January 2027, when the current postholder, Lynn Pamment CBE, completes her seven-year term.

The Comptroller and Auditor General is responsible for independently examining how public money is spent in Jersey and reporting on whether taxpayers are getting value for money.

Mr Dossett brings nearly 40 years of experience in public sector auditing. He currently works as a partner and head of public sector assurance at Grant Thornton in London and the South East, where he leads teams that audit local councils, NHS organisations and other public bodies.

Speaking after his appointment, Mr Dossett said he was “delighted” to take on the role.

“The role plays a vital part in supporting transparency, accountability and value for money in the use of public funds,” he said.

“I look forward to working with colleagues at the Jersey Audit Office and with stakeholders across the island when I take up office.”

Alongside the appointment, the States Assembly also approved amendments to the law governing the role.

The changes are intended to strengthen the independence and oversight of Jersey’s public audit system. They include giving greater responsibility to the Jersey Audit Office’s Board of Governance and requiring the Comptroller and Auditor General to publish an annual report that tracks recommendations and the progress made on them.

The updates also aim to bring Jersey’s audit framework more closely into line with internationally recognised standards.

Michael Whitehouse OBE, chair of the Governance Board of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, said the board welcomed both the appointment and the legislative changes.

“The appointment of Paul Dossett follows a thorough and independent recruitment process, and the Governance Board looks forward to working with him when he takes up office in 2027,” he said.

“The amendments to the law will further strengthen the framework that underpins independent public audit in Jersey, reinforcing transparency, accountability and effective oversight.

Mr Whitehouse also thanked the current office holder for her work.

“I would also like to place on record the Board’s sincere thanks to Lynn Pamment CBE for her dedicated service as Comptroller and Auditor General,” he said.

“Her leadership has played an important role in strengthening the work and impact of the Jersey Audit Office, which will continue until the end of her term of office in December 2026.”