“Time for an open search for new CEO” – another ex-Assistant Minister breaks ranks as debate looms

Monday 30 November 2015

States Members should back moves to force an open recruitment process for the States £210,000-per-year chief executive post, according to a former assistant minister.

James Baker has written to all of his former colleagues in the States Chamber, urging them to back former Assistant Treasury Minister Tracey Vallois’ move to force an open search for the top job, rather than just extending the contract of current CEO John Richardson.

He’s the first person from the ministerial side to break ranks – the Council of Ministers is fighting the proposition, saying that there’s no need to change things.

Mr Richardson was given the job in 2011 after Bill Ogley left – that arrangement has been extended twice with the backing of the independent Jersey Appointments Commission, but there has been no open search for a chief executive from outside of the States during that time.

If Deputy Vallois wins her debate this week, the latest contract extension offered to Mr Richardson will be cancelled, and an open recruitment process will begin.

Mr Baker – a former Army Captain who served a single term as a States Deputy in St Helier – says an open recruitment will either find a better leader for the vital States reform project, or will deliver a renewed mandate for the current incumbent.

“The planned reappointment is a looming disaster for the current CEO; he has a weak mandate to public perception and no verification of his abilities that would support him and bolster his position,” wrote Mr Baker.

“As an outside observer he appears to have little support for the task in hand and a definable record of not delivering.

“If the Assembly accept him remaining in position, then the Assembly is collectively acknowledging there will be no material change to the Public Sector, no reform and therefore no reduction in States expenditure.

“This is not a vendetta against the current CEO; it is quite the opposite. This is a strongly-worded letter that I trust you will consider before you vote.”