Draft Library Regulations and Code of Practice.

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 (05/09/2007) regarding: Draft Library Regulations and Code of Practice.

Decision Reference: MD-ESC-2007-0036
Decision Summary Title :			Date of Decision Summary:
Decision Summary Author:	D Greenwood		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	Pat Davis
Written Report Title :	Draft Library Regulations, Rules, and Code of Practice		Date of Written Report:	18th June 2007
Written Report Author:	Pat Davis		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: The rules and regulations which govern the work of the Jersey Library Service and the arrangements by which they can be changed or amended
Decision(s): the Minister approved the content of the draft regulations and agreed to submit them to the States for Approval The Minister approved the adoption of the Draft Code of Practice subject to the States approval of the Draft Regulations
Reason(s) for Decision: The rules and regulations which govern the work of the Jersey Library Service were last undated in 2003. Under current arrangements both Library rules and regulations need States approval. As part of the process of updating the regulations, in light of the change to Ministerial Government, the Law Officers have recommended amendments to the current regulations which replace Library rules with a Code of Practice which can be approved by the Minister without needing States approval. The object is to reduce the workload for Ministers and Law Officers whilst making it easier for the Chief Librarian to make amendments to Library Service operations.
Resource Implications: None
Action required: Officers to submit approved Library rules and regulations for consideration by the States
Signature:		Position:
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):