Jo Armstrong appointed as Chair of Accounts Commission

Jo Armstrong has been appointed as the new Chair of the Accounts Commission.

Jo brings to the role a wealth of experience from across the public, third and private sectors, and is an internationally recognised economist and finance expert. Jo has considerable experience as a non-executive chair and director.

The appointment was confirmed by Joe Fitzpatrick, the Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning, following a recruitment process by the Scottish Government.

The chair appointment will be for an initial period of four years from 1 February 2024, with the option to extend for a further four years.

On taking up the appointment, Jo Armstong said:

I‘m delighted to be the next chair of such an important organisation and look forward to working with my Accounts Commission colleagues, Audit Scotland staff and our strategic partners. As chair, my role will be to ensure the Commission continues to deliver effective scrutiny, whilst helping to identify and share best practice. Given the financial challenges local government is facing, the Commission has a valued role in ensuring critical services continue to be delivered.

Read more in the Scottish Government’s news release.

Ronnie Hinds, who has been acting as Interim Chair of the Accounts Commission since May 2023, will step down at the end of January.