09 September 2021
As Jersey progresses through its response to the pandemic, with the move to Stage Seven marking a distinct change to living with Covid-19, focus now moves on to making sure the Island’s full recovery is underpinned by a strong, inclusive, and diverse economy.
The Council of Ministers has formally agreed that, from January 2022, the Department for the Economy will leave the Office of the Chief Executive and become its own distinct government department. Richard Corrigan has been confirmed as the permanent Director General, having been acting in the post for 18 months.
This completes the Target Operating Model implementation for this part of the public service, is in line with the One Government structure set out in 2018, and falls within current budgetary constraints.
The department’s directorates, which have all been operating within the Office of the Chief Executive since February 2020, are:
Local and Digital Economy, supporting rural and marine; arts, culture, heritage and sport; retail and visitor; growth and trade; aviation; the digital economy; and high value residency engagement
Financial Services, developing policy and legislation to further advance Jersey’s position as a reputable, responsible and compliant international finance centre
Financial Crime, providing national strategy and co-ordination to fulfil Jersey’s international obligations for combatting financial crime and terrorist financing
Economic Advisory, providing independent analysis and advice to Ministers, States Members, and across the Government of Jersey
The Government of Jersey’s Chief Executive Paul Martin said: “The Department for the Economy team includes specialists who have been led very capably by Richard through the enormous challenges of the past 18 months.
"The considerable experience that Richard gained in the financial services industry before he joined Government means that he is well placed to continue to lead the team as our focus moves away from pandemic recovery and towards supporting the diversification and development of Jersey’s economy.”
Ministerial accountability remains with the Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Senator Lyndon Farnham, and the Minister for External Relations and Financial Services, Senator Ian Gorst.
Background information
An announcement that economy teams from the Office of the Chief Executive and the Department for Growth [Infrastructure], Housing and Environment would merge was made in February 2020.
Following the completion of a consultation and Target Operating Model at lower tiers, senior appointments were made in the department in January 2021.
Richard Corrigan has worked for the Government of Jersey since April 2017. Richard’s earlier career was in the financial services sector in Jersey and internationally. He is a former Chair and continuing Member of the Governing Board of Highlands College and actively involved with several Island sports organisations.
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