30 April 2018
The States’ Chief Executive, Charlie Parker, has announced to staff the next steps for restructuring the public service.
Last month, after a comprehensive review, Mr Parker unveiled a new ‘one government’ structure for the organisation and launched internal consultations on the proposals.
A 45-day consultation with senior leaders ended on 19 April, and Mr Parker informed staff that he has begun the process of recruiting to the most senior leadership roles in the reformed organisation.
Over the next few weeks, a number of internal candidates will be interviewed for Director General roles for the new departments and several new roles will also be advertised externally. These posts will be advertised both in Jersey and internationally, to attract the best possible candidates.
Mr Parker has also initiated improvements to key areas of the States’ administration. These projects – some of which will be short term or involve recruiting additional staff – are all being funded from current and underspent 2017 budgets.
The first of these projects are
Children’s Services
The States Employment Board has approved the appointment of three interim operational managers to speed up the pace of change to ensure that our children and young people are protected. These roles will introduce improvements to the performance of front-line services through new case management arrangements, improved social worker practices and a new integrated Children’s Service for those most vulnerable.
Funding has also been approved to support the upcoming Ofsted report on Children’s Services and to manage the implementation of the remaining Care Inquiry recommendations.
Modernising financial management
A review of financial management found cumbersome, outdated practices and structures, which do not adequately support the strategic financial planning, investment prioritisation and transparency that are key to well-run, good-value public services. This echoes the recommendations from a number of reports by the Comptroller and Auditor General.
The review recommended a number of changes to strengthen financial management, improve corporate performance and accountability, and drive a commercial approach that delivers best value for money from our suppliers. These changes require investment in finance staff and modern financial systems.
Funding has been approved to establish a small team to implement the first phase of this programme. The team will be led by the specialist who led the original review, with support from both internal staff and outside finance experts.
Other projects
A number of other projects will also begin in the coming months to accelerate the transformation of the public sector. These include projects to strengthen senior leadership, drive organisational change, manage the restructuring programme and build closer partnerships with the Parishes.
Further details on these will be announced in due course.
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