Review into spousal expenses at BMA is already under way

The BMA appointed a non-executive member of its risk and audit committee in April to lead a review of historical expense claims and policies, the association has disclosed.

The news that Jacques Cadranel has reported his findings to the BMA’s board was revealed at the BMA’s annual representative meeting in Belfast on Thursday 27 June.

At the ARM representatives voted in favour of a motion calling for the association to commission a “fully independent enquiry” into the practice of BMA chief officers claiming travel expenses for their spouses.

Speaking to the motion, the BMA’s treasurer, Trevor Pickersgill, said that the association had responded to the concerns by appointing Cadranel in April to review the issue. “He has looked in great detail at this, and he and the board have seen over 100 pages of historical documents detailing claims and receipts etc,” Pickersgill said. “They have taken independent tax advice.”

Pickersgill said that Cadranel’s report was with the BMA board and would be going to the BMA Council, the body responsible for the lawful conduct of the association. “It is not yet finalised but it will, I am sure, …