States security tightened in wake of £2.6m. scam

THE States yesterday moved to tighten its financial security following the loss of £2.6m. to fraudsters.

Three senior staff will replace Treasury and Resources chief officer Dale Holmes, who resigned in July following the revelation that criminals had managed to con the department.

States chief executive Mike Brown said the changes were a response to the need to tighten financial security. 'Business assurance and risk management are of the highest priority within the States, and this is emphasised by the restructuring and strengthening of the assurance and internal audit function.'

Mr Holmes, who headed Treasury for five years, will be replaced by Simon Elliott, currently head of human resources and organisational development; Bethan Haines, who takes on the reintroduced position of States Treasurer; and current head of internal audit Zain Chesshire.

All will report directly to Mr Brown instead of a new head of department.