Treasury and Resources
Ministerial Decision Report
appointment of Treasurer Designate of the States of Jersey
1. Purpose of Report
To confirm the appointment of the Treasurer Designate of the States of Jersey.
2. Background
The post of Treasurer has been vacant since July 2010. Following a competitive recruitment process in the UK and Jersey, Laura Rowley has been identified for appointment into this role. This report confirms this appointment under section 29 of the Public Finances (Jersey) Law 2005.
3. Appointment process
Adverts for the post of Treasurer were placed in Jersey and in the UK during August and early September 2010 and a recruitment consultancy were retained to undertake a candidate search. There were a number of applicants, including Jersey based applicants.
Five candidates were shortlisted, but one withdrew before the interviews and therefore the panel interviewed four applicants over a two day period of 30 September and 1 October. The interview panel included Alan Merry and Ken Soar from the Appointments Commission, the Treasury and Resources Minister, the Chief Executive and the Director of Human Resources. The external professional adviser to the panel was Steve Freer, Chief Executive of CIPFA, and additional professional technical advice was sought from the interim Treasurer, Hugh McGarel-Groves. The appointments process included: psychometric tests, technical interview, formal panel interviews, media role play, references and qualification checks.
The decision of the panel was to appoint Laura Rowley, who is a CIPFA qualified accountant, MBA, BA (Hons). Her most recent appointment was Director of Resources for Shropshire Council and she has been employed in the public sector throughout her working career, including posts at Birmingham City Council, the London Boroughs of Southwark and Brent and The Audit Commission.
Following the interview, the Minister has consulted the Chief Minister about this appointment.
4. Recommendation
The recommendation is to appoint Laura Rowley as Treasurer designate with effect from 1 November 2010. During the period when she is Treasurer designate she will undergo a period of induction and orientation so that she is fully able to assume the full role and responsibilities early next year. During this period, the interim Finance Director, Hugh McGarel-Groves will remain as Interim Treasurer, with full statutory powers and responsibilities under the Public Finances (Jersey) Law 2010.
5. Reason for Decision
The appointment is a statutory appointment under the Law.
6. Resource Implications
This is a budgeted post which is currently vacant, and headcount exists within the departmental allocation. There are no additional resource implications.