States of Guernsey CEO ‘removed’ from role

Friday 27 August 2021

The States of Guernsey’s top civil servant has been removed from his role with immediate effect after the Chief Minister and the island’s leading political committee decided to take “action” to address a “need for a change in senior leadership”.

In a press release about the move, CEO Paul Whitfield suggested he had decided to step down after a period of reflection.

"I have just returned from annual leave, which gave me some much-needed breathing space, and a chance to relax with my family. It has been such a busy time for all of us, including myself, and as things begin to settle, time for reflection is once again afforded to us all. In moving on, it provides opportunity to focus on some new and different challenges,” he said.

But the island’s Chief Minister and President of the Policy and Resources Committee Peter Ferbrache offered a different view.

"The Committee recognised the need for a change in senior leadership and have taken action to bring this about," said Deputy Ferbrache.

Despite this, he went on to say that Mr Whitfield had “made a valuable contribution to the organisation during his time in post as Chief Executive, most recently during the Covid-19 Emergency Response, but significantly over a public service career that has seen him carry out a number of diverse and challenging roles both in the UK and here in Guernsey and most recently recognised in receipt of a OBE National Honours award.”

He added: “"The role of Chief Executive is undoubtedly a very challenging and demanding leadership position, one which Paul has discharged with integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality."

Reflecting on his career, Mr Whitfield commented: "It has been an amazing eight years, on top of a 40-year career in multiple public service roles, my role as CEO was a job undeniably unpredictable, and challenging but hugely rewarding."

Long-serving senior civil servant Mark de Garis will step into the position of interim Chief Executive, with Mr Whitfield leaving with immediate effect. 

Pictured top: Ousted CEO Paul Whitfield (left) and Chief Minister Peter Ferbrache (right) appearing at a covid briefing in Guernsey.