Appointment of an independent expert charged with conducting a full review of childcare services in Jersey.

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A decision made (21/08/2007) regarding: Appointment of an independent expert charged with conducting a full review of childcare services in Jersey.

Decision Reference: MD-C-2007-0050
Decision Summary Title :	MD-C-2007-0050		Date of Decision Summary:
Decision Summary Author:	Bill Ogley		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:
Written Report Title :	Attached		Date of Written Report:	21 / 08 / 07
Written Report Author:	Bill Ogley		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Subject: Appointment of an independent expert charged with conducting a full review of childcare services in Jersey
Decision(s): To approve the appointment of Mr. Andrew Williamson CBE as the independent expert charged with conducting a full review of childcare services in Jersey.
Reason(s) for Decision: At the Council of Ministers meeting on 26 July 2007, the Council agreed to commission a suitably qualified independent expert to commence a full review of childcare services in Jersey. Terms of reference for the review have been approved by the Deputy Chief Minister and the Home Affairs Minister and will be submitted to the Council for ratification at its next scheduled meeting.'
Resource Implications: It is estimated that the cost of a review could amount to some £45,000 and that this will be met within the overall cash limit for total expenditure in 2007 as approved by the States
Action required: The Chief Executive to the Council of Ministers will appoint Mr. Williamson to commence the review at the earliest possible date
Signature:		Position: Chief Minister
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed): 21 / 08 / 07

Appointment of an independent expert charged with conducting a full review of childcare services in Jersey.

REPORT ON THE APPOINTMENT OF AN INDEPENDENT EXPERT TO UNDERTAKE A REVIEW OF CHILDCARE SERVICE IN JERSEY

The States Employment Board and Council of Ministers have decided that there should be an independent review of childcare service in Jersey.

The review has been instigated following a series of allegations relating to potential shortcomings in these services. The Health and Social Services Minister has made the allegations, but has produced no evidence. The Council of Ministers over riding concern is to ensure standards are good and feel that the only way to test the current arrangements is an evidentially based independent review.

This is to be a 3 stage review. The first stage has been to ask the JCPC to answer a series of questions relating to current practice. These are being answered and will form a first input to the independent review. The second stage is to appoint an independent expert of standing to undertake the review. He will answer direct to the Chief Executive to the Council of Ministers. Initial terms of reference have been set and are at Appendix 1. They will be extended in agreement with the reviewer.

The third stage, if necessary, will be to ask the States to convert the review into a Committee of Enquiry.

In order to identify an appropriate reviewer Lord Laming, the former Chief Inspector of Social Services was contacted and he has offered advice. As a result Mr Andrew Williamson has met with the Deputy Chief Minister, Minister for Home Affairs, the Chief Executive and Director of Human Resources. The panel are satisfied that he has the necessary understanding, background and ability to undertake a thorough and professional review. His CV is attached at Appendix 2.

Resource implications

An initial estimate of the time required to undertake this work arrived at in consultation with Mr Williamson is 3 months. The estimated cost including fees, related expenses and administrative support is £45,000. This sum will have to be met from within the total cash limit for 2007 as approved by the States.

It is expected that additional part time administrative support will be required over that period.

Recommendation

That the appointment of Mr Andrew Williamson CBE be approved.

APPENDIX 1

Council of Ministers – Child Protection Review

“The States of Jersey expect the highest standards of child care and protection so as to give parents of children requiring our care and support and the children themselves the confidence and security to which they are entitled. The Council of Ministers therefore specify the following terms of reference for a review of child protection, as a preliminary to any committee of enquiry to which the States may subsequently agree:

Terms of Reference

To investigate and report upon:

Issues relating to child protection in Jersey

The appropriateness of the policies, advice and procedures provided by the Jersey Child Protection Committee and the Health and Social Services, Education and Home Affairs Departments

The manner in which such policies, advice and procedures are followed by the Departments

The standards, experience and qualifications of staff at all levels and within all relevant Departments

To make recommendations as to any and all actions that are considered immediately necessary to ensure the highest standards of childcare and protection and thereafter to inform any committee of enquiry which the States may subsequently constitute”

Senator Terry Le Sueur

Deputy Chief Minister

9 August 2007.

APPENDIX 2