Back to Work Services

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 on 24 April 2015:

Decision Reference: MD-S-2015-0034
Decision Summary Title :	Back to Work services		Date of Decision Summary:	24 April 2015
Decision Summary Author:	Head of Back to Work		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	N/A
Written Report Title :	Back to Work services		Date of Written Report:	24 April 2015
Written Report Author:	Head of Back to Work		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject Provision of services by Back to Work for locally qualified jobseekers.
Decision(s): The Minister confirmed that the aim of Back to Work is to provide employment services to individuals who are entitled to work.
Reason(s) for decision: This decision provides clarity regarding the provision Back to Work services for individuals who are entitled to work. Back to Work’s focus is on reducing unemployment by working with employers to meet their recruitment needs and with locally qualified jobseekers (who are either entitled or entitled to work) to improve their employability. This is key to meeting the States of Jersey’s strategic priority to improve job opportunities for local people The Discrimination (Jersey) Law 2013 includes an exception that would apply to the provision of services to locally qualified jobseekers for the purposes of promoting employment or other opportunities This decision confirms that existing arrangements will be maintained.
Resource Implications: None
Action required: None
Signature:		Position: Minister
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

Back to Work Services

Social Security Department

Ministerial Decision Report

Provision of services under Back to Work

Back to Work was established as part of the Council of Ministers’ strategic priorities to assist unemployed islanders to find and retain employment and to help create new employment opportunities through sustainable economic growth. It has been successful in introducing new initiatives to help reduce unemployment by working with employers to meet their recruitment needs and with locally qualified jobseekers to improve their employability.

Two key goals for the States of Jersey as outlined in the Draft Strategic Plan 2015 – 2018 are as follows:

Help people in Jersey achieve and maintain financial independence and safeguard the most vulnerable in our community.
Increase the performance of the local economy, encourage economic diversification and improve job opportunities for local people.

Back to Work helps to support these goals by targeting services to locally qualified jobseekers (who are either entitled or entitled to work) to assist individuals to move into employment. This focus is key to the success of Back to Work’s engagement with employers by providing a tailored recruitment service to help fill vacancies for locally qualified staff and encouraging local people to work in industries, such as hospitality.

The Discrimination (Jersey) Law 2013 states that an act of discrimination is not prohibited by the Law if it is done pursuant to a policy adopted by the States or by Ministerial decision, where the implementation of that policy or decision applies criteria based upon a person’s place of birth or length of residency in Jersey for the purposes of promoting employment, or other opportunities, or providing access to facilities and services (Schedule 2, Part 2, Paragraph 3).

The Social Security Minister has therefore confirmed that the aim of Back to Work is to provide employment services to individuals who are entitled to work and that existing arrangements will be maintained.