The former chief operating officer of the Wales Audit Office received executive coaching and training at a cost to the public purse of almost £44,000 in less than four years.
Some of the training cost up to £300 an hour, according to information obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by Plaid Cymru AM Leanne Wood.
The information also shows that Mr Snow went on several courses, including a strategic leaders’ programme, after a deal was agreed for him to leave on a redundancy and pensions package worth £750,000.
Leanne Wood, who represents South Wales Central, said: “This is yet another example of a scandalous waste of public money from those at the top of the organisation that is responsible for scrutinising the finances of public bodies.
“Staff training is hugely important, but this information shows that Anthony Snow went on course after course on ‘executive coaching’ at a cost to the public purse of up to £300 per hour.
“There is something not right here and we must get to the bottom of it. This use of public money reinforces once again the need for the Auditor General to be fully accountable.
“What also disturbs me is that Anthony Snow was allowed to rack up more coaching sessions in June, July and September 2009, including a ‘strategic leaders programme’ at St George’s House, Windsor Castle, after a deal had been agreed for him to leave the organisation.
“I know from meeting the new Auditor General Huw Vaughan Thomas that he wants to ensure that checks and balances are in place and public confidence is restored. The sooner that happens the better.” added the Plaid Cymru AM.
It is as a result of Leanne Wood’s persistence using the Freedom of Information Act that excesses in the Wales Audit Office has been uncovered.
