The main circumstances in which PSAA will consider changing an auditor appointment during the five-year appointing period are:
- for independence reasons, such as the identification of a conflict of interest involving the existing audit firm;
- the emergence of new joint working arrangements where the appointment of the same auditor to all partners would be beneficial; or
- where there had been an irretrievable relationship breakdown would also be considered.
An eligible body appointing its own auditor may find it more difficult to change their auditor during the contracted period, not least because it would require undertaking a new selection and procurement exercise. It is important to note that regardless of who makes the appointment only firms registered to provide local audit can be appointed.