Greffier of the States Dr Mark Egan is leaving the job after being responsible for administering Jersey’s parliament for six years.

Dr Egan, who previously worked for the UK House of Commons, joined in January 2016, taking over from Michael de la Haye OBE. 

Giving a speech in the Assembly on the eve of his final day, Deputy Carina Alves, who leads the Policy and Procedures Committee, said: “Perhaps one of the most notable successes Mark has achieved during his time as Greffier was keeping the Assembly running during the covid-19 pandemic with the use of Microsoft Teams.

“Under Mark’s leadership we were still able to pass laws and be held to account even through a global pandemic.

“Internally, the States Greffe has also seen a number of changes since Mark joined the organisation. Mark oversaw the restructure of the Greffe in 2019 which unified the various sections. 

She added: “He also worked to improve services for Members which led to a new section being created – Members’ Resources. We are now able to contact the team and be provided with support on both our Assembly and constituency work.

“Mark has also worked with the Diversity Forum in order to improve the diversity of the States Assembly and increase public engagement in democratic processes by underrepresented groups. He also worked with a PPC Pensions Sub-Committee to bring in pensions for States Members for the very first time.

“I’m sure all Members will agree that he will be missed, not just for his expertise and experience, but for his sense of humour and his camaraderie with Members. 

“So, I’d just like to end by saying thank you, Mark, we hope you will keep in touch and return to the island often and we wish you well in whatever you do in the future.”

States Members this morning held a private debate to consent to the appointment of his successor, current Deputy Greffier Lisa Hart, and approved her in the role.

Mrs Hart was one of four candidates – all locally qualified – to apply for the job. She was the unanimous choice of a selection panel overseen by Jersey Appointments Commission chair Dame Janet Paraskeva.

She was educated at Beaulieu and Hautlieu and has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bradford. She worked for nine years as an Employment Adviser in the Job Centre at the Social Security Department before joining the States Greffe in September 2000 as a Committee Clerk.

She served a variety of Committees including Housing, Education, Policy and Resources and the first ever Council of Ministers in 2005.

In 2008, she was appointed Assistant Greffier and became Deputy Greffier in 2014, a position she has held since.