North of Town Masterplan: Appointment of Consultants

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 on 20 March 2009 to approve the appointment of Hopkins Architects in conjunction with Naish Waddington Associates and others, to undertake the North of Town Masterplan

Decision Reference: MD-PE-2009-0160
Decision Summary Title:	North of Town Masterplan – Appointment of Consultants		Date of Decision Summary:	17 September 2009
Decision Summary Author:	Director of Planning		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Oral		Person Giving Oral Report:	Director of Planning
Written Report Title:			Date of Written Report:
Written Report Author:			Written Report : Public or Exempt?
Subject: North of Town Masterplan – Appointment of Consultants
Decision(s): Having been briefed orally on the 4 interviews conducted following invited tenders, the Minister approved the appointment of Hopkins Architects, in conjunction with Naish Waddington Associates and others, to undertake the North of Town Masterplan
Reason(s) for Decision: The Department has neither the masterplanning expertise nor capacity to undertake the preparation of the masterplan within its staff resources. The tender submitted was not the lowest, but represented the best interpretation of the Brief and value for money.
Resource Implications: The initial tender was in the sum of £96,000, plus expenses at cost, for delivery of the Draft Masterplan. (The contract has since been extended to deal with public consultation on the draft Masterplan, and amendments to it.)
Action required: Letters to be sent to those submitting tenders
Signature:		Position Minister
Date Signed: 14 June 2010		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed): April 2009