Item 5 is a motion under Standing Order 10.5 to appoint the chair of the Wales Audit Office board. I call on the Chair of the Finance Commiteee to move the motion—Peredur Owen Griffiths.

Motion NDM8169 Peredur Owen Griffiths

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with paragraph 5(1) to Schedule 1 of the Public Audit (Wales) Act 2013, and under Standing Order 10.5:

Appoints Dr Kathryn Chamberlain as Chair of the Wales Audit Office from 16 March 2023 until 15 March 2027.

Motion moved.

Thank you, Llywydd. I am pleased to move this motion today on behalf of the Finance Committee and to ask the Senedd to agree to appoint Dr Kathryn Chamberlain as chair of the Wales Audit Office board in accordance with the Public Audit (Wales) Act 2013. Dr Kathryn Chamberlain has significant senior leadership experience in the public sector, with a strong audit and governance background. She also has vast experience of board-level working in both a senior executive and non-executive capacity.

I'd also like to draw Members' attention to the fact that the committee’s report on the appointment of the non-executive members and chair of the Wales Audit Office provides further details on the recruitment process, including the appointment process for David Francis for his second term as non-executive member.

I'd also like to place on record the committee’s thanks to the outgoing chair, Lindsay Foyster, and recognise her invaluable contribution to the Wales Audit Office over the last eight years, as a non-executive member from 2015 and as chair since 2020. Lindsay has led an inclusive and collaborative board, focused on delivering the Wales Audit Office’s statutory and strategic priorities during a particularly challenging period. We are grateful for her stewardship of the board, her selfless dedication to public service, and for providing a solid foundation for those who follow.

I ask the Senedd to agree the motion. Thank you very much.

The Deputy Presiding Officer (David Rees) took the Chair.

I have no other speakers. Do you wish to add anything else? No, okay. The proposal is to agree the motion. Does any Member object? No. The motion is therefore agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Motion agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.