New Chair appointed for Accounts Commission

The Scottish Government have confirmed Graham Sharp’s appointment as Chair of the Accounts Commission. Graham has been a member of the Accounts Commission since 1 October 2009. His four-year appointment as chair will run from 1 November 2017 until 31 October 2021.

Graham says:“I am pleased and feel privileged at being appointed as Chair of the Accounts Commission. The Commission’s ongoing work and reporting shows that these are challenging times for councils and the wider public sector. I look forward to taking forward the Commission’s responsibilities as an independent source of assurance and scrutiny around local government, and helping inform debate about the future of public services in Scotland.”

As well as his experience as a member of the Accounts Commission, Graham brings to the role of chair extensive expertise from his long career in financial services and a member of various boards. Graham is a chartered accountant and brings both regulatory and finance and business experience to the Commission.

Next year will see a number of vacancies and possible reappointments for the Accounts Commission. In late 2017, the Scottish Government will begin the recruitment process. There will be two vacancies to fill at the end of March (including the vacancy resulting from Graham’s appointment) and two more at the end of 2018. Three existing members will also be able to apply for reappointment on 1 October.