Responsibilities and Accountabilities for Assistant Ministers for Health and Social Services Department

Information about the publication of Ministerial Decisions

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

Ministers are elected by the States Assembly and have legal responsibilities and powers as “corporation sole” under the States of Jersey Law 2005 by virtue of their office and in their areas of responsibility, including entering into agreements, and under any legislation conferring on them powers.

An accurate record of “Ministerial Decisions” is vital to effective governance, including:

demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision
providing a record of decisions and actions that will be available for examination by States Members, and Panels and Committees of the States Assembly; the public, organisations, and the media; and as a historical record and point of reference for the conduct of public affairs

Ministers are individually accountable to the States Assembly, including for the actions of the departments and agencies which discharge their responsibilities.

The Freedom of Information Law (Jersey) Law 2011 is used as a guide when determining what information is be published. While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

A decision made (12.02.2009) to approve the delegation of responsibilities and accountabilities to Assistant Ministers for Health and Social Services Department.

Decision Reference: MD – H SS – 2009 - 008
Decision Summary Title :	Responsibilities of Assistant Ministers		Date of Decision Summary:	5th February 2009
Decision Summary Author:	Tracey Fullerton, Assistant Director Corporate Planning and Performance Management		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:
Written Report Title :	Responsibilities of Assistant Ministers		Date of Written Report:	28th January 2009
Written Report Author:	Senator James Perchard		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Delegation of responsibilities and accountabilities to the Assistant Ministers, Deputy Judith Martin and Connetable Deidre Mezbourian.
Decision(s): The Minister approved the delegation of responsibilities and accountabilities for : a) Deputy Judith Martin in relation to Children’s Services as detailed in the report “Responsibilities of Assistant Ministers”. b) Connetable Deidre Mezbourian in relation to services for older people as detailed in the report “Responsibilities of Assistant Ministers”.
Reason(s) for decision: To clearly define the responsibilities and accountabilities of the Assistant Ministers.
Resource Implications: None
Action required: 1. Assistant Ministers to assume roles defined.
Signature:		Position: Minister for Health and Social Services
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):