Why is Grant Thornton now working to share the materials that the Joint Committee requested?
When the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) retained Grant Thornton, we conducted a thorough and independent investigation into the RMV’s role in last summer’s tragic vehicle accident in New Hampshire.
The in-depth report we delivered in October provided a detailed root-cause analysis of the factors that led to the RMV’s failure to quickly and properly process state-to-state motor-vehicle violations, and its failure to revoke Massachusetts licenses accordingly.
We understand and support the Joint Committee’s efforts to further investigate this matter in hopes that a terrible accident like this can be prevented in the future. To this end, we are actively making arrangements with the general counsel of the Joint Committee – as well as the RMV – to provide the requested materials that were the basis for the conclusions in the report we delivered to the RMV last October.
Is Grant Thornton still requiring a subpoena?
No. As a general practice, work papers associated with an investigative report are retained by the professional-services firm conducting the work. Firms are under no obligation to share them. However, given the issues involved in this case, we believe relevant information should be shared if it aids in preventing this type of terrible accident from happening in the future, and the process is underway.
Why did Grant Thornton decline to release the materials in the first place?
Our firm’s policy is that we do not turn over working papers to clients. This is consistent with our engagement letter with the RMV – and with standard practices at professional-services firms.
Working papers often consist of unanalyzed notes, raw information and other materials that professional-services firms use to create a comprehensive and complete final report. In and of themselves, working papers are not intended to provide clarity and insights, and, as such, firms like ours typically do not share them with clients.
In October, we delivered a fair and comprehensive report resulting from our independent investigation into this matter. However, we are now going further and actively working with the general counsel for the Joint Committee – and with the RMV – to share the requested materials we used to create the report.
What materials might Grant Thornton be turning over?
We are working to turn over notes from the interviews we conducted when preparing our report, as well as focus-group notes.
When might the materials be turned over?
We are still determining details with the Joint Committee and the RMV, but expect to provide the materials early this week.
Might these materials be made public?
We are working to make the requested materials available to the RMV and the Joint Committee. Those parties will determine whether or not to make these materials public.
With questions, contact: press@us.gt.com.
About Grant Thornton LLP
Founded in Chicago in 1924, Grant Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton) is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world’s leading organizations of independent audit, tax and advisory firms. Grant Thornton, which has revenues in excess of $1.9 billion and operates more than 50 offices, works with a broad range of dynamic publicly and privately held companies, government agencies, financial institutions, and civic and religious organizations.
“Grant Thornton” refers to Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions.
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