PCC and Chief Constable meet with Joint Independent Audit Committee

Yesterday (14/12), Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Angus Macpherson and Chief Constable Kier Pritchard attended a virtual conference with their Joint Independent Audit Committee.  

The Committee provide advice and independent assurance to the PCC and the Chief Constable according to good governance principles, support and challenge the Chief Finance Officer, and sit alongside the internal audit process checking and testing what the Commissioner and the Chief Constable do. 

At the conference, the Committee were updated on current issues, including financial pressures and proposals for the next financial year.  

PCC Angus Macpherson said: “I wish to thank all the staff involved for their efforts in completing the preparation of the accounts on time, whilst coping with factors such as lockdown, working from home and undertaking many aspects virtually.  

“I was pleased to be able to update the Committee on a number of important developments that are in progress or planned for the future. This includes plans for the police estate, grants we have received from the Ministry of Justice to support victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence, and the upcoming consultation with the public about next year’s policing precept”.  

Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said: “Highlighting the challenges that 2020 has brought to Wiltshire Police was also a great opportunity to inform the Joint Independent Audit Committee of the amazing work completed by the officers and staff across the Force. Alongside policing the pandemic, we continue to make outstanding progress, as was noted by the committee”. 

Following reports from internal and external auditors and the presentation of the external auditor’s letter, the accounts were signed-off as giving a true and fair view of the PCC and Chief Constable’s accounts for the year ending 31 March 2020.  

The Committee were also satisfied that the value for money arrangements were suitably in place to ensure economical, efficient and effective use of resources.  

To find out more about the Joint Independent Audit Committee, including current and previous annual reports, please visit the PCC website.