6. Motion under Standing Order 10.5 to appoint the Chair of the Wales Audit Office

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:22 pm on 16 September 2020.

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Photo of Llyr Gruffydd Llyr Gruffydd Plaid Cymru 4:22, 16 September 2020

(Translated)

Thank you very much, Dirprwy Lywydd. I am very pleased to be able to move this motion today on behalf of the Finance Committee, and ask the Senedd to agree to appoint Lindsay Foyster as chair of the Wales Audit Office board, of course, in accordance with the Public Audit (Wales) Act 2013.

Lindsay Foyster has vast experience of operating at board level within both the third and public sectors, including over five years as a non-executive member of the Wales Audit Office board and over 25 years of senior executive experience at board level in the third sector. Lindsay is also an accomplished chair, with extensive experience of chairing across many organisations and settings in both the third and public sectors.

Now, Members may also wish to note that the committee's report on the appointment of the non-executive members and chair of the WAO provides further details on the recruitment process, including the new appointments of Ian Rees and Elinor Gwynn as non-executive members, and the appointment of Alison Gerrard on her second term as non-executive member.

I would also like to place on record the committee's thanks to the outgoing chair, Isobel Everett, and recognise her invaluable contribution since the Wales Audit Office was established in 2013. Isobel's stewardship of the board has been characterised by innovation, collaboration and increasing the credibility and visibility of the Wales Audit Office, and she leaves it on a strong footing for those who follow.

I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Bill Richardson's valuable contribution to the Wales Audit Office over the past three years, as he stands down from his role as non-executive member.

And with those few words, I ask the Senedd to agree the motion. Thank you.