States of Jersey Public Accounts Committee officer Caro Tomlinson has attended a study visit to Tynwald to examine aspects of parliamentary scrutiny. 

Arranged by the Clerk of Tynwald’s Office as part of its programme to strengthen links and cooperation between small jurisdictions, the two-day visit saw Ms Tomlinson (pictured) attend briefings on Tynwald committee structures, with particular emphasis on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Hansard and the Chamber and Information Service. Opportunities were also provided for Ms Tomlinson to observe a PAC meeting, be given a tour of the Legislative Buildings and travel to St John’s with the Deputy Clerk of Tynwald Jonathan King to learn more about the proceedings of Tynwald Day and the significance of the Island’s national day.

Reflecting on her visit Ms Tomlinson said: ‘My visit has proved extremely useful and there is much I shall take back, notably how the Tynwald PAC takes on the additional role of Chairmen’s Committee and receives internal audits from all departments as a matter of course. These visits are a real opportunity to share best practice in small jurisdictions and develop close ties, and I‘ve been so impressed by everyone’s professionalism and hard work.

 ‘It’s been really valuable to have had this opportunity to compare and contrast how Tynwald does things, not only in terms of the Public Accounts Committee, but also its fantastic information service and an outreach programme that’s helping to advance parliamentary democracy and make the Manx parliament so accessible to the people of the Isle of Man. ‘