The States’ Chief Executive has defended the appointment of a controversial Health boss – saying “differing views” about her past work in the Isle of Man have not swayed his opinion that she is the right person for the job here.
Teresa Cope is moving to Guernsey in August to start work as the Interim Chief Officer for Health and Social Care (HSC).
Ms Cope caused controversy in her last role, as Chief Executive of Manx Care, with hundreds of people signing a petition to have her removed from the role.
A Diagnostic Radiographer, she held senior leadership positions across the NHS before being appointed the first Chief Executive Officer of Manx Care, when it was set up in 2021 to oversee health and social care in the island – a role she did until the end of June this year.
BBC Isle of Man quoted her as saying she was “immensely proud of what the organisation has achieved” during her time there.
The BBC also reported that “Manx Care has had significant challenges meeting budget targets since it was set up, and has posted a deficit each year since then.”
Tynwald – the island’s government – had requested a review of Manx Care to identify areas where the healthcare system was performing well and where it needed to improve.
Carried out by Mersey Internal Audit Agency, the review identified four “fundamental issues” around funding and strategy, core processes, governance, and communication and engagement.
Healthcare Minister Claire Christian said the government would complete the review before recruiting Ms Cope’s successor.
When her departure was announced, people in the Isle of Man shared their views on social media, asking if she “jumped before she was pushed”, describing it as “the best news of 2026”, and saying she “couldn’t cope”.
Others alleged she’d had “the worst job on the island” and suggested that the next CEO “should be a medic, doctor or nurse… someone who understands the frontline”.
Guernsey’s Chief Executive & Head of the Public Service Boley Smillie has acknowledged these comments, but is standing by his decision to appoint Ms Cope on an interim basis.
“It is not unusual for there to be differing views about people who have held senior leadership positions within the public service, particularly in a small island community. That comes with the territory,” he said.
“I am entirely satisfied with the recruitment process and the due diligence that was undertaken. I would ask the community to give Teresa the opportunity to demonstrate her leadership.
“Leading a public health service is undoubtedly one of the most demanding roles in the public sector, and I know Teresa will approach it with commitment and professionalism. She has my full support.”
Mr Smillie announced his plan to adapt the civil service leadership structure earlier this year. This included bringing back Chief Officers to oversee the work of the Principal Committees.
With more than 2,000 staff and a £260 million budget, appointing an interim Chief Officer for HSC was always the priority, he said.
He said: “I cannot overstate how important it is that HSC has clear, experienced and accountable executive leadership for an organisation of this scale and complexity.
“The reason I made this an interim appointment, rather than immediately recruiting permanently, was to move quickly and bring in the senior capacity and expertise needed to address the significant challenges facing HSC while strengthening leadership during a period of wider organisational change, and separately the departure of other senior leaders.”
Mr Smillie said there was a “strong field of applicants”, and that Ms Cope was “unanimously our preferred candidate”.
“She brings significant experience and understands the realities of delivering services in an island community. I’m confident she will provide the leadership the organisation needs while offering strong support to the Committee for Health & Social Care.”
Ms Cope has been given a 12-month contract in Guernsey.
That means she is not eligible for the States’ full relocation package but she can apply for reduced support for the cost of moving to the island.
