Government of Jersey

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 25 November 2009 regarding: Appointments Commission - appointment of new member.

Decision Reference: MD-C-2009-0092
Decision Summary Title :	Appointments Commission – Appointment of new member		Date of Decision Summary:	23 November 2009
Decision Summary Author:	Senior Human Resources Manager, Chief Minister’s Department		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:
Written Report Title :	Appointments to Jersey Appointments Commission		Date of Written Report:	November 2009
Written Report Author:	Senior Human Resources Manager, Chief Minister’s Department		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Subject: Appointments Commission – Appointment of Chairman and new member
Decision(s): The Chief Minister approved the report and proposition recommending that Mr Alan Merry be appointed as Chairman of the Jersey Appointments Commission for a term of 4 years and Mr James Morris be appointed as a new member also for a term of 4 years.
Reason(s) for Decision: Vacancies for the position of Chairman and also of member of the Appointments Commission have arisen following the expiry of the terms of office of the former Chairman and another member. An appointment process has been completed in accordance with the requirements of the Employment of States of Jersey Employees (Jersey) Law 2005 and has resulted in Alan Merry being selected as a suitable replacement Chairman and James Morris as a member, each for a term of office of 4 years.
Resource Implications: None
Action required: Proposition to be forwarded to the Assistant Greffier of the States and the Publications Editor to arrange for it to be lodged “au Greffe” for consideration by the States as soon as possible.
Signature:		Position:
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):