Guernsey’s new ‘Director of Revenue Service Operations’ will be moving to the island to take up the job in November.
Jean Mehers currently works for Barclays UK.
A States’ spokesperson said she’s been “appointed to drive customer service improvements” at Guernsey’s oft-criticised Revenue Service.
Mrs Mehers new job will see her focus on delivering the island’s revenue service after the previous top role in the department was split in two.
Guernsey’s Former Director of Revenue Service was moved into a new role as the ‘Director of Tax Policy’ earlier this year.
The States Treasurer has previously said that the top job at the Revenue Service needed to be split in two because it had too many responsibilities and the operational and policy functions should be separated.
That means Nicky Forshaw is now focused on domestic and international policy development while Ms Mehers will now take on operational functions including responsibility for the collection of income tax and social security contributions, and operation of the Secondary Pension scheme. She will also be responsible for “driving service improvements”.
Mrs Mehers has been described as “a senior leader with years of customer service experience”.
She is currently a Customer Services Director for Barclays UK and previously worked as Head of Operations at Sainsbury’s Bank.
Her new job will start in November and she’ll likely face criticism from the outset as the person in charge of Guernsey’s income tax system.
Many people are still waiting for their tax returns to be assessed for 2021, 2022, and 2023, with some waiting for even older returns to be finalised.
If she’s seen any of the negative press reports or social media commentary on the situation, she’s not let it put her off moving to Guernsey.
“I’m excited to be joining the Revenue Service following my role as Customer Service Director at Barclays UK,” she said.
“With a career spanning leadership roles at Sainsbury’s Bank, Legal & General, O2, and Tesco Mobile, I bring a strong focus on colleague engagement and customer outcomes.
“I’m passionate about creating values-led cultures where people thrive — and firmly believe that sustainable business performance is built on treating colleagues and customers with respect and authenticity.”
Bethan Haines, States Treasurer, said Mrs Mehers is the right person for the demanding role.
“I’m delighted that we’ve appointed Jean to take up this important role. Although the process took longer than we would have liked, it was essential for us to find the right person, and we are really pleased to find someone of Jean’s calibre and experience to lead the service forward.
“As announced earlier this year, splitting the previous Director of Revenue Service role allows the Director of Revenue Service Operations to focus solely on the operational performance, without also being responsible for significant and ever-increasing development and introduction of policy.
“Despite the best efforts of teams within the Revenue Service, the level of service we’ve provided to our community has not been where we would like it to be. Jean’s experience in customer service and operations make her a great fit to deliver lasting improvements alongside our dedicated staff within the Revenue Service.”
Mrs Mehers will be paid up to £147,000 for her work in Guernsey based on the advertisement earlier this year. The salary for the new ‘Director of Tax Policy’ has not been disclosed.