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STATES OF JERSEY
JERSEY COUNCIL FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK: APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN
Presented to the States on 29th May 2019 by the Minister for Social Security
STATES GREFFE
2019 R.65
REPORT
SUMMARY
In accordance with the decision made by the States on 2nd February 2010, in support of the Proposition made by the Privileges and Procedures Committee, P.205/2009 Appointments made by the States: revised procedures', the Minister for Social Security nominates the Chairman of the Jersey Council for Safety and Health at Work ("the Council").
The term of office of the current Chairman, Mr. Paul Richardson, expires at the end of June 2019. This was his third, and last eligible, term of office as Chairman. Following an appointment process carried out in accordance with the Jersey Appointments Commission recruitment guidelines, the Minister has recommended the appointment of Dr. Stephen Taylor to serve as Chairman of the Council for a period of 3 years, subject to the approval of the States.
The Minister therefore puts forward Dr. Taylor 's name for consideration by the States for appointment as Chairman of the Jersey Council for Safety and Health at Work, for a 3 year period commencing on 1st July 2019.
BACKGROUND
The Jersey Council for Safety and Health at Work
The Council was established by the States in 1973 as an independent body to promote health and safety at work.
The constitution of the Council was amended in 1991 to provide for a Chairman to be appointed by the States, and 4 members, appointed by the Social Security Committee, (a task now undertaken by the Minister for Social Security), all of whom have been recognised as having an interest in health and safety at work. The Council is assisted by a part-time secretary, the only paid employee of the Council, with the Chairman and members all serving in an honorary capacity.
The procedure for appointment of the Chairman was revised as a result of P.205/2009, requiring the Minister for Social Security to present a report to the States providing details of his nominee, together with a brief description of the duties of the position and the selection process.
The Council's terms of reference as set out in the proposition agreed by the States in 1991, is "to take all necessary steps to promote the safety and health of workers and others affected by work activities" with its objectives, which are also noted in the proposition, to –
- identify and examine problem areas in matters covered by their terms of reference, and to provide educational and training facilities where these measures appear to be needed in these areas;
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- to promote interest in general occupational accident prevention in Jersey and to foster and develop the spirit of co-operation between employer and employee as regards safety and health at work;
- to provide opportunities for informed comment on any matters connected with occupation safety and health;
- to afford facilities for the pooling and dissemination of knowledge, for the study of the appropriate statutory requirements, for the reading of papers and the promotion of lectures and discussion and for such other activities as may tend to further the general objectives of the Council.
In accordance with the terms of reference and objectives, the Council is involved with raising the profile of health and safety at work by carrying out awareness campaigns and other promotional activities, arranging seminars, engaging with industry representatives to promote initiatives aimed at improving health and safety performance, and organising training courses which are not provided by trainers currently working in the Island. The Council also provides a source of information through its website, which includes a directory of local training providers and details of current campaigns.
The constitution of the Council requires the Chairman to be respected in the Island and not a substantial employer themselves, with their role to lead and direct the Council members to achieve the aims and objectives of the Council.
The Council receives an annual grant to carry out its work, and is required to submit an annual report and audited accounts to the States.
Appointment process
The appointment was made in accordance with the principles and practices set out in the Guidelines for the recruitment of Senior States Employees, appointees and members of independent bodies', published by the Jersey Appointments Commission.
Applications for the position were invited from interested parties through the post being advertised in the Public Notice section of the Jersey Evening Post, and on the Health and Safety Inspectorate website. Two applications for the position of Chairman were received.
Dr. Stephen R. Taylor
Dr. Taylor was appointed to serve as a member of the Council on 1st August 2017. During the time he has served on the Council, Dr. Taylor has shown consistent enthusiasm and commitment in seeking improvements in the arrangements for health and safety at work, and has played a very active part in supporting the existing Chairman and other members in promoting and driving forwards projects and initiatives undertaken by the Council. This includes the development of the Council website, development and launch of the Jersey Construction Advisory Test' scheme for the construction industry, and preparation of articles to raise awareness of the benefits of managing occupational health and safety.
R.65/2019
Dr. Taylor is an experienced senior oil industry leader with an international background in oilfield development and management. He has extensive functional experience in safety leadership, business planning, and project management. He has a particular interest, and experience, in developing and leading safety intervention techniques linked to human factors and behaviours. He currently runs SRT Consultancy Jersey.
Financial and manpower implications
The Chairman of the Council serves in an honorary capacity, and this appointment therefore has no implications for the financial or manpower resources of the States.
Appointment
The appointment of Dr. Taylor as Chairman of the Jersey Council for Safety and Health at Work will be confirmed on 1st July 2019 for a period of 3 years.