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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 26 February 2010 regarding: Social Security Advisory Council - Appointment of chairman and members.

Decision Reference: MD-S-2010-0007
Decision Summary Title :	Social Security Advisory Council – Appointment of a new chairman, additional members and re-appointment of an existing member		Date of Decision Summary:	22 February 2010
Decision Summary Author:	Business Manager		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	n/a
Written Report Title :	Social Security Advisory Council – Appointment of a new chairman, additional members and re-appointment of an existing member		Date of Written Report:	22 February 2010
Written Report Author:	Business Manager		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Subject: Social Security Advisory Council – Appointment of a new chairman, additional members and reappointment of an existing member.
Decision(s): Following a unanimous vote by current members of the Social Security Advisory Council the Minister approved the appointment of Mrs Sylvie Seymour as the chairman with effect from 1 January 2010 for a period of three years. The Minister agreed to re-appoint Mrs Annette Cullen from 1 October 2009 for a further three year period. The Minister approved the appointment of new members Ms Lesley Toms from 1 October 2009 and Mrs Jennifer Lawson, Mr Frank Dearie and Mr Laurence Curtis from 1 January 2010.
Reason(s) for Decision: The current chairman, Mr John Rosser, tendered his resignation with effect from 31 December 2009 having been in post since January 2008. Mrs Annette Cullen joined the Council in 2007 and wished to renew her membership for a further three year term. Following a press advert and open recruitment process Ms Lesley Toms, Mrs Jennifer Lawson, Mr Frank Dearie and Mr Laurence Curtis confirmed their interest in becoming new members.
Resource Implications: There are no resource implications.
Action required: Policy and Strategy Director to advise members.
Signature:		Position: Minister
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

Social Security Advisory Council - Appointment of chairman and members

Social Security Advisory Council – appointment of a new chairman, additional members and reappointment of an existing member

The Social Security Advisory Council (SSAC) was set up in 2003 as an independent body to provide advice on Social Security issues to the Minister for Social Security. As an established advisory committee there is no requirement for participation of the Appointments Commission in the selection of members.

Under Article 42 of the Social Security (Jersey) Law 1974, the Council shall consist of a chairman and not fewer that four, nor more than eight other persons, all of whom shall be appointed by the Minister.

After two years in post Mr John Rosser tendered his written resignation as chairman of the SSAC with effect from 31st December 2009. Following a unanimous vote by current members Mrs Sylvie Seymour, a Council member since April 2007, agreed to take on the role of chairman from 1st January 2010.

During 2009 the Council comprised a chairman plus six members and the intention was for the number of members to increase. On 31st December 2009 Mr John Rosser, Mrs Fran Houghton and Ms Jackie Collins retired as members.

Following a media advert and open recruitment process, the Council identified five prospective new members. Four of whom, having attended several meetings during 2009 subsequently confirmed their willingness to serve as new members.

The chairman of the Council has formally asked the Minister to approve appointment of the following members:

Name of member	Date of appointment
Mr Laurence Curtis	1st January 2010
Mr Frank Dearie	1st January 2010
Mrs Jennifer Lawson	1st January 2010
Ms Lesley Toms	1st October 2009

The chairman of the Council has also requested that the Minister reappoint Mrs Annette Cullen from 1st October 2009, whose first three year term on the Council is coming to an end.

As at 1st January 2010 membership and date of appointment is as follows:

Mrs Sylvie Seymour - Chairman	1st January 2010
Mr Laurence Curtis	1st January 2010
Mr Frank Dearie	1st January 2010
Mrs Jennifer Lawson	1st January 2010
Mrs Annette Cullen	1st October 2009
Ms Lesley Toms	1st October 2009
Mr Christopher Harris	1st July 2008
Mr Colin Russell	1st July 2008

Mrs Daphne Aubert continues to attend SSAC meetings on an ad-hoc basis.