Nancy Locke, the Falkland Islands PAC clerk, joins the St Helena PAC Formal Session in the Council Chamber, The Castle

CPA UK's Overseas Territories Project recently facilitated a Falklands Islands clerk attachment to St Helena, where Nancy Locke, Clerk/Secretary to the Falkland Islands Public Accounts Committee, spent time with the St Helena PAC, with the aim of comparing and exchanging techniques and examples of best practice when it comes to managing public finances. You can read the Falkland Islands team's reflections on the attachment below.

The two Overseas Territories have similarities; both are remote locations and the make-up of their respective PAC’s include Lay Members. The similarities and differences between them offered both sides an opportunity for sharing procedures and practices that have proven effective. 

Nancy was warmly welcomed by the Chair, Mark Yon and PAC Clerk, Anita Legg, who were generous with their time and developed a comprehensive programme. This covered PAC meetings and preparing for a Hearing as well as conduct during the Hearing itself. Discussions centred around encouraging and supporting Lay Members, and the processes and work of the clerks and support team were also covered in detail. 

Anita Legg, Mark Yon and Nancy Locke ready for a PAC Committee Hearing

The Falklands does not have a Chief Auditor, however St Helena’s Chief Auditor, Brendon Hunt, was able to offer insight into the benefits he provides to the PAC. During one-on-one meetings with Nancy, he explained, in detail, some methodologies for performance audits and gave helpful advice on how to structure PAC reports which can then be the basis of future Hearings. The reports also can stand alone as a document to aid the PAC in making recommendations to government in terms of economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the spending of public money.   

Evidence-gathering in the Falkland Islands was an area of interest to the St Helena team. The methods used in the Falklands, with a team of researchers, could be of potential benefit for the audit team. Similarly, their methods of gathering of information from the public could be of help to the St Helena PAC. 

Brendon Hunt, Chief Auditor, St Helena

Several meetings were arranged for Nancy to meet with some of the more prominent members in the St Helena Government. She was delighted to meet: Susan O’Bey, the Chief Secretary; Cyril Gunnell, Speaker of the House; Governor Nigel Phillips CBE; Blessing Gurure, Head of Internal Audit; members of the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Office Clerk Team headed by Connie Johnson, Clerk of the Councils. Additionally, two radio interviews with Saint FM and SAMS offered the opportunity to highlight the visit and the upcoming PAC Hearing. 

In common with the Falklands, there are no political parties in St Helena. At the last election two years ago, a Ministerial system came into being. This gives the non-cabinet members of the government the responsibility of forming two Select Committees. These committees are able to hold the government to account on matters of policy. It was an interesting time to visit to attend the first of these Select Committees and to talk with the councillors about the challenges, benefits, and hopes for the committees going forward. 

The team being interviewed on SAMS radio

The successful placement of the Falklands PAC Secretary with the St Helena PAC proved to be a valuable learning experience. Through the active participation in the PAC planning for a hearing, the experience of attending the first Select Committee hearing and one-on-one time with the Chief Auditor, Nancy gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of scrutiny in St Helena. These experiences will enhance professional development and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Falklands PAC, promoting transparency, accountability, and improved processes. Such placements serve as a testament to the importance of knowledge exchange and collaboration in fostering effective oversight in government financial matters.