States Treasury and Exchequer
Ministerial Decision Report
Education Department - capital to revenue transfer for safeguarding and security improvements
- Purpose of Report
To enable the Minister to approve the transfer of £150,000 from the Education Department minor capital head of expenditure to the Education Department revenue head of expenditure for safeguarding and security improvements at St Luke’s primary school and Haute Vallee and Le Rocquier secondary schools.
- Background
This request for additional funding is in respect of implementing improved safeguarding and site security control measures at three specific school sites.
The delivery of the scheme across the identified areas of the business will be overseen by a project group comprising representatives from the Education Department, the schools in question and Jersey Property Holdings (JPH).
Reviews, audits and risk profiling by the department, Police and third parties have highlighted several areas for improvement in terms of safeguarding, site security and controlled access and egress. Poor site security exposes those using these schools (students, teachers, suppliers and the public) and the Education department to an unacceptable level of risk, evidenced through the risk profiling process.
The subsequent recommendations include improvements to security, safeguarding and additional controls and layers of protection. The recommended management controls to be introduced are suitable and sufficient, conform to ACOP Secured by Design (SBD) and will reduce the risk to an ‘acceptable’ or ‘tolerable level’
The recommendations and benefits in each case support:
- The department’s responsibilities towards students, staff and members of the public.
- The prioritisation of the safety and well-being of teachers, to allow them to concentrate on their core business
- The delivery of a positive message, improved peace of mind and wellbeing for stakeholders.
- Easier recruitment and retention of good teaching staff.
- The discouragement of criminal activity.
Whilst the return on investment is self-evident the measurements are intangible in that it can only be measured in terms of improved morale/wellbeing and improved safety of students, staff and members of the public.
It is envisaged that two of the three projects could be completed during the summer holidays of 2018. The identified areas for improvement have been estimated/priced with the approved JPH contractors.
3. Recommendation
The Minister is recommended to approve the transfer of transfer of £150,000 from the Education Department minor capital head of expenditure to the Education Department revenue head of expenditure.
4. Reason for Decision
Article 18(1)(c) of the Public Finances (Jersey) Law 2005 states that all or any part of the amount appropriated by a head of expenditure may, with the approval of the Minister for Treasury and Resources, be used for the purposes of another head of expenditure.
Article 18(1B) of the Public Finances (Jersey) Law 2005 states that the Minister shall, after consulting the Chief Minister and PAO, give the States Assembly at least 2 weeks’ notice before an amount is transferred under paragraph (1)(c).
Article 18(1C) of the Public Finances (Jersey) Law 2005 states that before giving notice under paragraph (1B), the Minister shall, in relation to any States funded body, consult the Minister responsible for that body.
The Chief Minister and Principal Accountable Officer (PAO) have been consulted.
Reviews, audits and risk profiling by the Education Department, Police and third parties have highlighted several areas for improvement in terms of safeguarding, site security and controlled access and egress at three specific school sites.
5. Resource Implications
The Education Department minor capital head of expenditure to decrease by £150,000 and the Education Department revenue head of expenditure to increase by an identical amount.
This decision does not change the total amount of expenditure approved by the States for 2017-2019 in the Medium Term Financial Plan.
Report author : Head of Decision Support | Document date 14th August 2018 |
Quality Assurance / Review : Director of Financial Planning and Performance | File name and path: L:\Treasury\Sections\Corporate Finance\Ministerial Decisions\DS, WR and SD\2018-0112 - EDU Improved Safeguarding and Site Security |
MD Sponsor: Treasurer of the States |