London Office of Government of Jersey: Service Level Agreement

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 30 August 2013:

Decision Reference: MD-C-2013-0092
Decision Summary Title :	Government of Jersey London Office: Service Level Agreement		Date of Decision Summary:	30th August 2013
Decision Summary Author:	International Affairs Officer		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	N/A
Written Report Title :	Government of Jersey London Office: Service Level Agreement		Date of Written Report:	9th August 2013
Written Report Author:	International Affairs Officer		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Exempt Exemptions 3.2.1 (a)(i) and 3.2.1 (b)
Subject: Government of Jersey London Office: Service Level Agreement
Decision(s): The Deputy Chief Minister approved the Service Level Agreement (SLA) between the Chief Minister’s Department and the Government of Jersey London Office.
Reason(s) for Decision: The purpose of the Service Level Agreement is to put in place an agreed framework under which the Chief Minister’s Department will provide funding to the Government of Jersey London Office by means of an annual grant. The SLA establishes the purpose and usage of the grant and also defines the responsibilities of the parties. The SLA will ensure that the London Office meets the transparency and accountability requirements of a grant-funded organisation defined by Financial Direction 5.1 – Management of Grants.
Resource Implications: On 26 July 2013 the Chief Minister approved a request for non-recurring funding of £432,000 in 2013 for costs associated with establishing the Government of Jersey London Office (MD-C-2013-0078). The States Assembly has also approved yearly funding of £600,000 in the Medium Term Financial Plan 2013-2015 for recurring funding allocated from 2014.
Action required: Deputy Chief Minister to sign the SLA which will then be forwarded to the Government of Jersey London Office to countersign
Signature:		Position: Deputy Chief Minister
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):