Social Security Department: Delegation of Functions

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 November 2014:

Decision Reference: MD-S-2014-00146
Decision Summary Title	Social Security Department - Ministerial delegations		Date of Decision Summary:	13 November 2014
Decision Summary Author:	Business Manager		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	N/A
Written Report Title	Social Security Department - Ministerial delegations		Date of Written Report:	13 November 2014
Written Report Author:	Business Manager		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Ministerial delegations for the Social Security Department
Decision(s): The Minister approved the delegation of functions as set out in the attached report.
Reason(s) for Decision: To update existing Ministerial delegations under article 28 of the States of Jersey Law 2005 in respect of the Social Security Department following the appointment of a new Social Security Minister. Article 28 of the States of Jersey Law 2005 permits a Minister to delegate, wholly or partly, functions to an Assistant Minister or an officer. This decision provides legal authority to the Department in order that it can carry out the daily functions required under the relevant legislation.
Resource Implications: There are no resources implications.
Action required: Business Manager to forward a request to the Greffier of the States and Publications Editor, asking for arrangements to be made for presentation to the States as a Report.
Signature:		Position: Minister – Social Security
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):