All change: new States leaders, a resignation and 'Welcome Jersey'

Thursday 17 May 2018

As islanders wake up to changes within the States Assembly, a raft of top-level government appointments, a resignation and the creation of a brand new Locate Jersey-style team have also been announced – all forming part of Chief Executive Charlie Parker’s ‘One Government’ regime.

Back in March, the new States boss announced plans to rip up the way government is currently structured and reform it into a Whitehall-style structure, including the creation of new departments.

Today people who will spearhead that change in many of the new departments – seven men and one woman - have been announced:

• Richard Bell – Director General and States Treasurer
• Ian Burns – Director General for Customer and Local Services
• Richard Corrigan – Group Director for Financial Services and Digital Economy
• Dan Houseago – Group Director for Economy
• Kate Nutt – Group Director for External Relations
• John Rogers – Director General for Growth, Housing and Island Environment
• Andy Scate – Group Director for Regulation
• Tom Walker – Director General for Strategic Policy, Performance and Population. 

States officials said that their appointment came following a “rigorous” selection process among internal candidates. No details of salary packages were revealed, but the new roles may well mean a salary increase for those who previously held Chief Executive roles.

However, the States are still yet to recruit a Director General for the Department of Children, Young People, Education and Skills – newly-created in direct response to the Care Inquiry’s recommendations – after it was revealed that current Education Director Justin Donovan would be “stepping down” in the summer due to being unable to commit to the three to five years’ work the role entails. 

The States are also seeking a Director General for Justice and Home Affairs, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff to the Chief Executive and Director of Commercial Services – roles which are being advertised both in Jersey and the UK.

Meanwhile, former HR Chief Office Richard Stevens is to move into a new role as head of ‘Welcome Jersey’ – a service dedicated to supporting those moving to Jersey from abroad to work. It is unknown at this stage how this will fit into population planning. The States Assembly is still yet to agree on a sustainable policy for managing inward migration.

Pictured: A Locate Jersey-style service has now been created for bringing in those from abroad to work in Jersey.

One of Mr Parker’s ‘Transition Team’ consultants, Jacquie McGeachie, will look after HR, while the States seek a permanent Director for People and Corporate Services. 

Mr Parker commented: “I want to congratulate colleagues on their appointments to their leadership roles in the new structure. I am pleased that we have been able to appoint internal candidates to senior roles in this first phase of restructuring, and look forward to completing recruitment to the top team as quickly as possible.

“I want to thank Justin Donovan for his long public service and contribution to education in Jersey over recent years and wish him a happy retirement, and welcome Richard Stevens to his new role in leading the Welcome Jersey project."

Pictured: The moves form part of the 'One Government' plan of new States Chief Executive, Charlie Parker.

He added: “At present, through Locate Jersey, we offer a fabulous service for High Net Worth individuals, but we need to offer similar support to employees who come both to work for the States and for other businesses across Jersey, and take the complexity and hassle out of the process for them.”

Speaking earlier this year, he argued that the departmental changes would improve the States by saving money through reducing duplication of work and breaking down silos - even if it means a significantly reduced headcount and "casualties" at the highest levels of government.

The CEO proposes to reorganise public services to better join up the machinery of government, breaking down long-established departmental silos, so the States can provide better and more responsive services to islanders, and deliver the agenda of Ministers more effectively. pic.twitter.com/UrsX2HteXl

— States of Jersey (@StatesofJersey) March 6, 2018