Approval of Critical Incident Management Policy.

Information about the publication of Ministerial Decisions

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

Ministers are elected by the States Assembly and have legal responsibilities and powers as “corporation sole” under the States of Jersey Law 2005 by virtue of their office and in their areas of responsibility, including entering into agreements, and under any legislation conferring on them powers.

An accurate record of “Ministerial Decisions” is vital to effective governance, including:

demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision
providing a record of decisions and actions that will be available for examination by States Members, and Panels and Committees of the States Assembly; the public, organisations, and the media; and as a historical record and point of reference for the conduct of public affairs

Ministers are individually accountable to the States Assembly, including for the actions of the departments and agencies which discharge their responsibilities.

The Freedom of Information Law (Jersey) Law 2011 is used as a guide when determining what information is be published. While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

A decision made (11/12/2006) regarding Approval of Critical Incident Management Policy.

Subject:	Approval of Critical Incident Management Policy
Decision Reference:	MD-ESC-2006-0070		Exempt clause(s):	n/a
Type of Report: (oral or written)	Written		Person Giving Report (if oral):	n/a
Telephone or e-mail Meeting?	n/a		Report File ref:	Livelink:ESC/ Governance/DR/BCP
Written report – Title	Critical Incident Management Policy
Written report – Author - (name and job title)	Jamie Pestana, Policy and Planning Jo Forrest, Principal Educational Psychologist Lesley Le Bailly, Head of Administration
Decision(s): To approve the Department for Education, Sport and Culture’s Critical Incident Management Policy.
Reason(s) for decision: This policy is designed to provide a clear framework to ensure all such incidents are treated in a consistent manner and provide reassurance to those involved or affected that support will be made available. This policy is also designed to ensure: a) DfESC continues to meet its statutory responsibilities during an emergency by maintaining normal delivery of services wherever possible; b) DfESC provides an effective response to events graded as Critical Incidents; and c) all DfESC establishments maintain a Critical Incident Plan in line with guidelines produced by DfESC. This policy has no additional manpower of financial resource implications on the Department.
Action required: · The policy to be circulated across the service. · Individual service areas to develop critical incident plans in line with the policy.
Signature: (Minister/ Assistant Minister)		Date of Decision: 11 December 2006

Approval of Critical Incident Management Policy.

Education, Sport and Culture Department Policy Statement
Title:	Critical Incident Management Policy
Date:	20 October 2006

Authors:	Lesley Le Bailly, Policy and Planning Jamie Pestana, Policy and Planning Jo Forrest, Education Support Team

1. Overview

In the event of a Critical Incident the Department for Education, Sport and Culture (DfESC) has a duty to act professionally, diligently and in a manner which provides reassurance to the public. The Department will in partnership with all relevant agencies work to ensure all such incidents are handled in a sensitive, caring and measured approach.

This policy incorporates guidance from Stockport and West Sussex. The intention of this document is to ensure that DfESC provide an effective response to events graded as “Critical Incidents”.

This policy is designed to provide a clear framework to ensure all such incidents are treated in a consistent manner and provide reassurance to those involved or affected that support will be made available.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all members of staff within DfESC directly responsible for planning and managing a Critical Incident.

3. Responsibilities and distribution

The Department’s Critical Incident Management Team (CIMT) will provide strategic direction and leadership in response to a major incident.

DfESC will ensure that it continues to meet its statutory responsibilities during an emergency by maintaining normal delivery of services wherever possible.

It will be the responsibility of the establishment to form a Critical Incident Management Team to meet its responsibilities.

4. Policy/Standards

It is a mandatory requirement for the Critical Incident Management Team to:

· develop and maintain a Critical Incident Plan in line with guidelines produced by DfESC;

· communicate the Critical Incident Plan clearly to all staff;

· ensure the Critical Incident Plan is available throughout the establishment and clearly visible including a copy at Reception;

· ensure contact details within the Critical Incident Plan are kept up to date;

· ensure effective arrangements are in place to manage and coordinate emergency activities until the arrival of the emergency services;

· maintain a full record of the incident and actions taken; and

· liaise with the Department’s Critical Incident Management Team Coordinator, Lesley Le Bailly.

5. Further information and related documents

For further information please refer to ‘Guidance to Critical Incident Management’.

6. Recommendations and Guidelines

For practical advice on the application of this policy please refer to the ‘Critical Incident Plan Check List’ and ‘Critical Incident Management Plan Template’ included within the Guidance as appendices.

For further advice please contact Lesley le Bailly, Jamie Pestana or Jo Forrest.

CHANGE HISTORY

Version	Date Issued	Issued by	Reason for Change
1.0	13 October 2006	Lesley Le Bailly Jamie Pestana Jo Forrest	First Draft for review by schools and colleges
1.1	20 October 2006	Lesley Le Bailly Jamie Pestana Jo Forrest	First Draft for review by SMT

Approval

Presented To	Approved by:	Date

Additional Information

Planned review date:	Distribution:
October 2006	All Primary, Secondary Headteachers, Section Heads, Principals and Senior Management Team. Inclusion on the ESC Intranet Site as part of the Policy Index
Associated policies	Name	Reference
	Off Island Visit Policy
	Influenza Pandemic Contingency Plan