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Guernsey has appointed a new Head of the Public Service - a £190,000-per-year role which replaces the old position of Chief Executive of the States - following a process overseen by a Jersey official.
The island's Policy and Resources Committee has been recruiting for the replacement of former Chief Executive, Paul Whitfield, since June and has today announced Mark de Garis as the official successor.
Mr de Garis has been the interim CEO for 10 months.
He took on the position when Mr Whitfield was abruptly removed from his role.
The recruitment process attracted interest both internally and externally. 17 people applied for the job and four people made it to the interview stage. Express has asked the Committee if it can specify how many applicants were external, from off-island or internal.
On the interview panel were the island's Chief Minister, who is President of the Policy and Resources Committee, Deputy Peter Ferbrache, and two other Deputies.
They were also joined by an external panel member, Phil Eyre, and the interviews were chaired independently by Simon Nash from the Jersey Appointments Commission, which oversees high-level public service role appointments in Jersey.
Mr de Garis will start his new role officially on 1 August.
Pictured: Guernsey's Chief Minister, Deputy Peter Ferbrache, was on the interview panel.
“I’ve been very privileged to serve in the public sector in a wide range of strategic and operational roles, from law enforcement to health services and most recently as the interim Chief Executive,” said Mr de Garis.
“We have big tasks facing us as we look to make our organisation as effective and efficient as possible, while we adapt our services to meet 21st century expectations.
“We also need to give our staff opportunities to develop and grow, building resilience into the public service as we continue to make sure our elected representatives are fully supported and their decisions can be effectively delivered as quickly as possible.”
Commenting on the appointment, Deputy Ferbrache said: “We believe he brings the right vision and experience to lead the organisation as we look to provide improved value for money and easy access to good quality services for our community, and deliver on the priorities agreed by the States through the Government Work Plan.”
In echoes of Jersey's controversial 'OneGov' regime spearheaded by former CEO Charlie Parker, a 'recruitment pack' for the Guernsey role explained that one of the key functions of the successful candidate will be to build a "customer-centric 'one service' approach" and create a corporate culture which "removes duplication and inefficiency".
The role also requires an "excellent understand of the States of Guernsey constitution, including the relationships between the Bailiwick and the UK" and a "proven track record of strategic leadership".
The pack said the salary is set at £190,000 per annum, with up to 30 days' annual leave per year.
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