Gov CEO recruitment still on pause while Interim takes 'break'

Wednesday 22 May 2024

The recruitment process for a permanent Government CEO has not been restarted since it was put on hold four months ago, it has emerged – and it remains unclear when it will recommence.

Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham revealed last month that, following the vote of no confidence in his predecessor Kristina Moore in January, the process opened in November 2023 to find a permanent successor for Interim CEO Dr Andrew McLaughlin was stopped.

Following questions from Express, it has now emerged that the recruitment process still hasn't officially been restarted – despite the new Government being in post for four months. No detail has been provided on when this will occur.

Instead, the Government is in the process of arranging to extend the contract of Dr McLaughlin for a second time.

In the States Assembly yesterday, Deputy Farnham revealed that negotiations for a new fixed-term contract with Dr McLaughlin were "almost complete".

It also emerged that Dr McLaughlin – who joined the Government on secondment from NatWest bank – is currently not in his civil service role.

In the States Assembly yesterday, the Chief Minister explained: "The Interim CEO is currently not in post; he is on an eight-week leave of absence."

However, Deputy Farnham clarified to Express today that the Interim CEO was in fact no longer under contract with the Government.

He explained to the Assembly on Tuesday: "Negotiations are almost complete for an extension of [Dr McLaughlin's] role leading to a new fixed-term contract.

"In his absence, the Deputy CEO is currently acting as CEO."

The process to find a permanent successor for Dr McLaughlin opened in November 2023.

The closing date for applications was due to be in mid-January, with shortlisting and panel interviews taking place the following month.

It was then anticipated that the successful recruit would start in June.