Plan to unify public sector

08 January 2018

Proposals have been lodged on 8 January 2018 to significantly improve the public sector in Jersey, strengthening accountability and moving towards a more modern and efficient public service.

The proposed changes to the States of Jersey and Public Finances Laws would, for the first time, make the Chief Executive of the States ultimately accountable for the expenditure of public funds. The Chief Executive would be required by law to ensure that public resources are used economically, efficiently and effectively, while also ensuring the performance of other senior public servants responsible for managing public funds.

In addition, the legislative changes would establish a unified structure for government by breaking down the longstanding silo arrangements that discourage departments from actively coordinating and cooperating. This would enable the public service to work together as ‘one government’ to provide better public services to Islanders and allow the Government to respond more quickly to any challenges facing the Island, such as Brexit.

Ministerial responsibilities

The proposals would also remove the legal requirement for Ministers to be bound by the principle of collective responsibility, thereby allowing them to be more open and transparent regarding Government proposals. Any required changes to Ministerial responsibilities and transfers within Government would be streamlined, ensuring that changes happen more quickly and with more clarity.

The Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, said “These changes are essential to the creation of a modern and efficient public sector that works together as one government, delivering quality public services that offer value for money to the Islanders of today and tomorrow.”

The Minister for Treasury and Resources, Senator Alan Maclean, said “We must have clear governance, transparent decision-making and stronger accountability at the top of the public service, all of which will be delivered by these important changes.”

The proposals deliver on the Chief Minister’s commitment to improve the governance of the public sector and support the drive for public sector transformation that the incoming Chief Executive outlined in his vision in a speech to staff in November. They are due to be considered by the States Assembly in February 2018.