Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:38 pm on 19 July 2017.
Unlike the other members of the board, there is express provision allowing the chair’s term to be extended, and, given the turnover of members, I do agree it is appropriate for that chair’s term to be extended, and also note that it’s only been extended for three years, rather than four. So, nothing is taken for granted, and that also ensures an appropriate rotation of members of the board, which I think will assist its governance going forward. I’d like to congratulate Isobel Garner on her contract extension, subject to only a pending vote. Given the relatively small population of Wales and the importance of having qualified and capable people taking these public service roles, there will at times be conflicts of interest, but what is important is that those conflicts are disclosed and that they are properly managed, and I think we look to the Wales Audit Office board and to its chair to lead by example in that, and the Conservative group will be supporting this motion.