Government of Jersey

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

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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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 7 December 2009 regarding: Criminal Records Bureau - checks in Jersey.

Decision Reference: MD-HA-2009-0118
Decision Summary Title :	Approval of Order in Council to extend Police Act, Part V		Date of Decision Summary:	07 December 2009
Decision Summary Author:	Executive Officer, Home Affairs		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	written		Person Giving Oral Report:	n/a
Written Report Title :	Report regarding Approval of Order in Council to extend Police Act, Part V		Date of Written Report:	07 December 2009
Written Report Author:	Executive Officer, Home Affairs		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: Extension of Part V of the Police Act 1997 by Order in Council, in order to enable access to Criminal Records Bureau checks in Jersey.
Decision(s): The Minister approved the draft Order in Council to extend Part V of the Police Act 1997.
Reason(s) for Decision: Following the debate of P121: Police Act 1997: extension of Part V to Jersey by Order in Council, the Minister undertook to personally approve the final draft, and to draw the attention of the Education & Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel to any matters of concern. He has now reviewed the draft extension, and is satisfied that it gives effect to the proposition, as debated.
Resource Implications: A budget of £98,000 has been allocated for the purpose of establishing the Jersey Vetting Bureau and funding the additional staff resource required. It is not anticipated that further resources will be needed for the Bureau at this stage.
Action required: The Vetting & Barring Strategic Development Manager to advise the Law Officers of the decision, and ensure that the Order in Council is forwarded for consideration by the Privy Council in February 2010.
Signature:		Position: Minister for Home Affairs
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed): 7th December 2009