Scotland’s public organisation auditor has confirmed allegations of wrongdoing in North Ayrshire’s Health and Social Care Partnership are being looked at by the council.

Audit Scotland wrote to a whistleblower to explain that North Ayrshire Council’s external auditor said the council will be investigating issues raised by them.

The whistleblower complained to Audit Scotland about alleged irregularities in the awarding of contracts in the communities department of North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (NAHSCP).

The external auditor said it would also be looking into the process of the departures of staff from the NAHSCP, including former chief Stephen Brown.

Mr Brown left his position as head of North Ayrshire’s Integration Joint Board earlier this year having been seemingly absent from the role for some months.

North Ayrshire Council, the NAHSCP and NHS Ayrshire and Arran refuse to comment on individual employees and so have not explained why Mr Brown had left his job.

The whistleblower’s complaint also refers to Helen McArthur, believed to be Mr Brown’s partner, who reported directly to Mr Brown as the head of health and community care position was vacant.

The whistleblower’s allegations suggest there was a failure to follow official procurement processes when awarding contracts in community care.

However, it is understood that any findings will not be reported until they are published in NAC’s annual audit report for 2020/21 not due to be made public until November next year.

Caroline Cameron announced that she was taking over the job of head of the NAHSCP earlier this month.

Writing on social media Ms Cameron said: “Excited to take on the role of Director and Chief Officer [at NAHSCP].

“Amazing teams and communities. Feeling incredibly honoured and privileged to lead the partnership through the challenges and opportunities ahead”

Ms Cameron was previously Head of Service (HSCP Finance and Transformation) for NAC.

Also in relation to the NAHSCP, a meeting of NAC’s Appeals Committee was scheduled for November 26 but was cancelled before it went ahead.

The agenda for the meeting explains it was to be convened to consider an appeal against dismissal by a former employee of the NAHSCP from the communities department.

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: “The appeal was withdrawn prior to the meeting and therefore the hearing did not take place.”

When asked about auditor’s confirmation regarding the whistleblower’s complains, a spokesperson for North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership said: “As is the case with all complaints raised by members of the public or via external agencies, we have well-established processes to review and investigate any allegations made.”