Appointment of Chairman to the Jersey Council for Safety and Health at Work.

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 (14/05/2007) regarding: Appointment of Chairman to the Jersey Council for Safety and Health at Work.

Subject:	Appointment of Chairman to the Jersey Council for Safety and Health at Work.
Decision Reference:	MD-S-2007-0037		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:	File 3/12
Written report – Title	Appointment of Chairman to the Jersey Council for Safety and Health at Work
Written report – Author (name and job title)	Colin Myers Director of Health and Safety
Decision(s): The Minister decided to recommend to the States the appointment of Mr Robert Staddon to serve as Chairman of the Jersey Council for Safety and Health at Work for a further three year term of office commencing on the 1st July 2007.
Reason(s) for decision: The proposition and report on the Council, P 102, which was agreed by the States in 1991, provided for the States to appoint the Chairman of the Council on the recommendation of the Social Security Committee. The changes set out in machinery of government legislation have transferred the responsibility for recommending the appointment of Chairman to the Minister for Social Security.
Action required: The Director of Health and Safety is to arrange for the report and proposition on the appointment of Mr Staddon Chairman to be lodged with a requested date for debate in the States prior to the 1st July 2007
Signature: (Minister/ Assistant Minister)		Date of Decision: 14 May 2007

Appointment of Chairman to the Jersey Council for Safety and Health at Work.

Appointment of Chairman to the Jersey Council for Safety and Health aT work

1. SUMMARY

The Chairman of the Jersey Council for Safety and Health at Work is an appointment made by the States on the recommendation of the Minister for Social Security.

The term of office of the current Chairman, Mr. Robert Staddon, expires at the end of June 2007; however, he has agreed to serve as Chairman of the Council for a further period of three years, subject to the approval of the Minister and the States.

It is recommended that the Minister agrees to put forward Mr Staddon’s name for consideration by the States for re-appointment as Chairman of the Jersey Council for Safety and Health at Work for a further three year period.

2. BACKGROUND

2.1 The Jersey Council for Safety and Health at Work

The Council is an independent body set up by a States, to promote the health and safety of workers and others affected by work activities. The Council consists of a Chairman, appointed by the States on the proposition of the Minister, and four members appointed by the Minister.

The Council receives an annual grant to carry out its work and is required to submit an annual report and audited accounts to the States.

2.2 Mr R Staddon

Mr Staddon has been a Council member since 1992 serving in the position of Chairman since November 2000. Mr Staddon continues to demonstrate a keen interest in seeking improvements in the arrangements for occupational health and safety in the workplace and, under his leadership, has led the Council through a period of change set out in the report ‘The Way Forward’. Council has been involved in a wide range of activities aimed at raising awareness and improving health and safety performance including the provision of specialised training, working in partnership with others to advance the importance of health and safety and supporting the successful development of the Jersey Occupational Safety and Health Association.

2.3 Appointment process

The appointment process for the post of Chairman has been carried out in accordance with the Jersey Appointments Commission Code of Practice for Appointments to Autonomous and Quasi-Autonomous Public Bodies and Tribunals, with requests for interested parties in the post of Chairman being advertised in the Jersey Evening Post.

Mr Staddon is employed as the Managing Director of the Jersey Gas Company Ltd. and is a Chartered Engineer and a Member of the Institute of Gas Engineers.

2.4 Financial and manpower implications

The Chairman of the Council serves on an honorary basis and therefore this appointment has no implications for the financial or manpower resources of the States.

3. RECOMMENDATION

Colin Myers

Director of Health and Safety

11th May 2007