Public Accounts Committee- Appointment of Unelected Members

STATES OF JERSEY

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE- APPOINTMENT OF UNELECTED MEMBERS

Presented to the States on 25th February 2025 by the Public Accounts Committee

STATES GREFFE

2025  R.27

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REPORT

Public Accounts Committee- Appointment of Unelected Members  

Introduction

This report provides supporting information to the proposed appointment of unelected members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) at the States meeting on 18th March 2025.

Standing Orders 119, 123-124 and 131 – 134 cover the PAC's terms of reference. The current PAC has 4 States Members (excluding the Chair) and three Lay Members following the resignation of Mr Graeme Phipps at the States sitting on 25th February 2025. As per Standing Order 131, membership of the PAC is expected to be 50% elected members (excluding the Chair) and 50% non-elected Members. Noting the requirement for equal numbers of States and non-States members, it is within the Chair's gift to nominate an additional person for the role of Lay Member to replace the vacancy created by Mr Phipps ' departure.

124 Unelected members of the PAC: appointment process

1. The chair of the PAC shall, at least 14 days before the meeting during which the unelected members of the PAC are to be appointed, give notice to the Greffier of the persons he or she intends to nominate for such membership.
2. Any other elected member may, at least 2 clear working days before that meeting, give notice to the Greffier of the person or persons he or she intends to nominate for such membership.
3. The Greffier shall distribute to members of the States information he or she receives about intended nominations.

In accordance with Standing Order 124(1) the Chair has previously given notice that she will nominate the following person:  

1.  Mr Ali Awan

Ali is a qualified Chartered Accountant (FCCA) with over 10 years of audit experience, including a decade in Jersey's financial sector. With a strong background in financial oversight, risk management, regulatory compliance, and governance, he brings valuable expertise to his role as a Lay Member of the Public Accounts Committee.

Throughout his career, Ali has worked extensively with public and private sector entities, investment funds, and financial institutions, conducting audits, regulatory reporting, and financial reviews. He has engaged directly with boards, compliance teams, and risk committees to ensure transparency, accountability, and strong financial controls. His experience includes reviewing financial information, assessing internal controls, and advising on risk management frameworks to strengthen governance and compliance.

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Ali has a deep understanding of Jersey's financial and regulatory landscape, having worked on financial reporting, governance requirements, and regulatory audits. His ability to analyse complex financial data (including budgets and expenditures), assess risks, and provide independent oversight makes him well-positioned to contribute to the work of the Public Accounts Committee, ensuring effective scrutiny of public finances and accountability in financial decision-making.

Process

A recruitment process was undertaken during February 2024 in order to appoint two lay members to the new PAC following the change of Government. Mr Awan was a candidate during this interview process and, whilst appointable to the role, Mr Glen Kehoe and Mr Vijay Khakhria were chosen at the time of this process. Following the resignation of Mr Graeme Phipps from the PAC, contact was made with the Jersey Appointments Commission in order to identify whether it would be possible to recruit to the lay member vacancy from the previous recruitment shortlist. This was confirmed as  being  possible  under  appointments  commission  guidelines  for  recruitment  (12 months is the usual maximum period for a candidate to be considered for the role). Noting this advice and the limited time remaining of the current Assembly and the length of time that would be required for a further recruitment process, it was agreed that the Chair of PAC would contact Mr Awan directly to offer him the position which he has duly accepted.

Mr. Awan brings significant experience to the PAC from his professional career with a strong background in financial oversight, risk management, regulatory compliance, and governance. This will provide the PAC with additional expertise as it continues with its work programme for the remainder of its term of office.

Conclusion

The Chair of the PAC asks the States to approve the appointment of the nominee as a non-elected member of the PAC.

In accordance with Standing Order 124(2) any alternative nominations for membership of the Public Accounts Committee must have been received by the Greffier of the States no later than 2 clear working days before the meeting, namely no later than Friday 14th March 2024. If alternative nominations are received a secret ballot will be held. Anyone wishing to put their name forward should contact the Deputy Greffier William Millow before that date.

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