Bureau des Iles Anglo-Normandes (BIAN): Establishment

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While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.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 5 March 2014:

Decision Reference: MD-C-2014-0034
Decision Summary Title :	Establishment of the Bureau des Îles Anglo-Normandes (BIAN)		Date of Decision Summary:	04 March 2014
Decision Summary Author:	Senior External Relations Officer		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	N/A
Written Report Title :	Articles of Association		Date of Written Report:	04 March 2014
Written Report Author:	Legal Advisors		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Exemptions 3.2.1 (a)(vii) & 3.2.1 (b)
Subject: Establishment of the Bureau des Îles Anglo-Normandes (BIAN)
Decision(s): The Minister for External Relations authorised officers to take the necessary actions required to establish the Bureau des Îles Anglo-Normandes (BIAN), including the signing of the 1901 Articles of Association creating BIAN as a legal entity in France.
Reason(s) for Decision: The Bureau de Jersey was set up in 1997 to develop relations between Jersey and the French administrations at a local and regional level. The Bureau de Jersey is to be superseded by the Bureau des Îles Anglo-Normandes (BIAN) in order to enable Jersey and Guernsey to work together in partnership, building on the successes of the Bureau de Jersey, as announced on 11 December 2013. Establishing BIAN reflects the importance that the Channel Islands attach to their relationship with France, and will strengthen the already good relations that exist between our jurisdictions. The Bureau’s key objective is to maintain and develop mutually beneficial links with the proximate French departments and regions, and to reinforce our commitment to the wider relationship with France. The Common Policy for External Relations, as agreed by the Council of Ministers and presented to the States on 23 November 2012 (R-140-2012) includes a commitment to be a good neighbour to France and to maintain positive relations with the Bailiwick of Guernsey. The Minister for External Relations is making this decision in accordance with the common policy agreed by the Council of Ministers.
Resource Implications: The Medium Term Financial Plan 2013-2015 provides for the resources necessary to supersede the Bureau de Jersey through the establishment of the Bureau des Îles Anglo-Normandes.
Action required: The Minister for External Relations is requested to sign the ministerial decision authorising officers to take the necessary actions required to establish the Bureau des Îles Anglo-Normandes.
Signature:		Position: Minister for External Relations
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):