Public sector reform on the menu

Tuesday 18 March 2014

Jersey’s Economic Development Minister will be updating business leaders on the challenges, opportunities and processes involved in reforming the Island’s public sector.

Senator Alan Maclean is the guest speaker at today’s IoD lunch – his talk “Jersey Public Sector Reform – Can we do it? Yes, we can!” will highlight some of the issues the Island faces as it strives to deliver an effective and efficient public sector.

Steven Hunt, Chairman of the Jersey IoD Events committee, said: “The reform of Jersey’s public sector is an important subject both for Jersey’s business community and the wider public. Staffing levels, roles and systems in the public sector need to be reviewed to ensure that the taxpayer receives value for money as well as receiving the kind of service that it expects from any service provider. In this technological age there are opportunities to make processes easier and to avoid unnecessary duplication of systems. I am delighted that Senator Maclean, who is central to guiding this review for our island, is able to provide us with an update at our lunch this month. ”

As well as public sector reform, Senator Maclean’s responsibilities cover a wide ranging portfolio encompassing all economic sectors including finance, tourism, agriculture, retail and the digital economy.

But making changes to an organisation as complex and as big as the States, which employs such an array of people, is proving to be one of his biggest challenges.

He wants to make sure public services are fit for an ageing population, that services are leaner and more cost-effective and that pay and promotion goes to those who deserve it.

The lunch is being held at the Grand Jersey today. It’s open to both members and non-members of the IoD.