Audit urges consistency in how grants are awarded

A report warned of "reputational risks" if there was not a consistent approach to the awarding of grants

A report looking into how Jersey's government gives out grants has found no clear or consistent approach.

The report, conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG), recommended the creation of a decision-making framework.

It also criticised how conflicts of interest were managed but did note progress had been made on 17 recommendations it had made since the last review in 2017.

Deputy Elaine Millar, Minister for Treasury and Resources, said the government welcomed the report and it would "consider the findings and formally respond with an improvement action plan".

She said the plan would "support continued progress" in governance processes and ensure grants it issued had "the best possible outcomes for islanders".

'Reputational risks'

C&AG Lynn Pamment said in her report: "There is further work required to demonstrate compliance with the requirements.

"The use of individual grants or grant schemes is a valuable part of the States' framework for service delivery, regulation and resilience.

"Effective oversight, governance and accountability arrangements are essential in order to ensure grant receiving bodies use the funding in line with overall States objectives, including demonstrating improved outcomes for islanders."

Ms Pamment said the States of Jersey was currently exposed to "reputational risks, including a perception of bias", and recommended evaluations be documented going forward.