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Democratic Accountability and Governance Sub- Committee #2
15 April 2021 10am
Privileges and Procedures Committee: Democratic Accountability and Governance Sub-Committee
Meeting 2: 15th April 2021
Members present: Senator Tracey Vallois (Chair), Senator Ian Gorst Senator Sam Mézec , Connétable John Le Bailly, and Deputy Kirsten Morel of St. Lawrence
Apologies were received from Connétable Richard Buchanan
Also in attendance: Dr Mark Egan, Greffier and K. Boydens , Principal Committee and Panel Officer
- Minutes
The Sub-Committee approved the minutes of its meeting held on 18th March 2021.
- Objectives of the Review
The Sub-Committee discussed the objectives for the review and the desired outcomes. The following was raised:
• The Jersey context
• Regaining the democratic mandates was at the heart of decision making
• Whether the parishes should have more responsibility
• Decision making processes within Departments and whether decisions were made by Ministers or officials
• Ministers should work towards delivering outcomes and the civil service should action and advise accordingly.
• Democratic link and Director Generals. Where loyalty lies between Minister or Chief Executive
• Process for appointing senior officials and Ministerial involvement
• Should be normal process for Chief Executive to offer resignation when a new Chief Minister is appointed.
• States Employment Board and its relationship with Ministers
The Sub-Committee discussed whether the parish system would be included within its review. It was agreed that the Sub-Committee should keep its focus in line with the Terms of Reference, although the parish system may feature as a topic of conversation during its review.
The Sub-Committee noted that there had been local authority reforms in the UK around the time of the Jersey machinery of government changes in 2005. The Sub-Committee requested further information on this which the Committee and Panel Officer would provide.
- Meetings with stakeholders
The Sub-Committee noted that a number of submissions had been received from former States Members, interested parties and the interim Chief Executive. The Sub-Committee was advised that the Sustainable Jersey Group and The Progress Party had requested to meet the Sub-Committee in person. It was agreed that the Sub-Committee would divide its resources and two Members would attend each meeting. In that regard it was agreed that Connétable s Le Bailly and Buchanan would meet the Sustainable Jersey Group and Senator Mézec and Deputy Morel would meet The Progress Party. The Committee and Panel Officer was requested to make the necessary arrangements.
The Sub-Committee agreed that, when possible, meetings with stakeholders would be recorded in order that a transcript was available.
- Meeting to discuss the People Strategy
The Sub-Committee noted that it was due to meet Mark Grimley, Group Director for People and Corporate Services, to discuss the Government of Jersey's People Strategy on Monday 19th April at 9am.
- Future Meetings
The Sub-Committee agreed that the next meeting would be confirmed after the meeting with Mark Grimley. It was also agreed that, going forward, the Sub-Committee would meet in person, rather than on Teams.