Interim CEO shares learnings from time in Government
1 February 2022
On his last day in office, the Interim Chief Executive of the Government of Jersey, Paul Martin, was questioned at a public hearing with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). During areas of questioning focused on the Government's workforce modernisation, digital projects, and its response to Covid-19, the hearing saw Mr. Martin share learnings from his time within the Government and his recommended areas of improvement.
The Interim Chief Executive said that Jersey is a highly accountable place to work, which has embraced an agile and hybrid style of working since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. He welcomed the upcoming independent review into how the Government has responded to the pandemic, stating that "it demonstrates a well-governed Island that is serious about continuous improvement".
The Committee welcomes the Chief Executive's transparency in his observations of current challenges and areas of the Government which could be improved, such as the States Employment Board (SEB) and performance management. The Committee heard that it is not yet clear what benefits the Integrated Technology Solution (ITS) programme will have for the public and what a digital strategy for Jersey looks like from a user's perspective. Mr. Martin said that it would be beneficial for the Government to examine Islander's perspectives, as well as service providers, when improving digital services.
Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, Deputy Inna Gardiner, said: "The Public Accounts Committee thanks the Chief Executive for his openness during this final public hearing. He was transparent in his approach to sharing his learnings and observations of his time within Jersey's Government, which is very much characteristic of his communication with the Committee over the past year. We have maintained a very constructive working relationship with Mr. Martin throughout his time in office and wish him all the best in his new position."
