Order Paper 3rd November 2014

STATES OF JERSEY ORDER PAPER

Monday 3rd November 2014 at 11.30 a.m.

F.  APPOINTMENT OF MINISTERS, COMMITTEES AND PANELS

Election of Chief Minister designate. (attached)

M.N. DE LA HAYE, O.B.E. Greffier of the States

29th October 2014

ELECTION OF CHIEF MINISTER DESIGNATE

In accordance with the Standing Orders of the States of Jersey one nomination for the post of Chief Minister was received by the Greffier of the States. The member nominated was Senator Ian Joseph Gorst .

The nomination of Senator Gorst was made by the following 7 members –

Deputy Andrew Kenneth Francis Green M.B.E. of St. Helier Senator Paul Francis Routier M.B.E.

Connétable Deidre Wendy Mezbourian of St. Lawrence Connétable Juliette Gallichan of St. Mary

Deputy Edward James Noel of St. Lawrence

Senator Alan John Henry Maclean

Deputy Stephen George Luce of St. Martin

Standing Orders require a candidate for Chief Minister to submit a statement setting out his or her vision for a strategic policy and the manner in which he or she would propose to discharge his or her responsibilities as Chief Minister. The statement submitted by Senator Gorst is attached at the Appendix.

Note

Members are reminded that, in accordance with Standing Orders, the presiding officer will ask the Greffier of the States to read out the nomination for the office of Chief Minister. There being only one candidate, Senator Gorst will be taken to have been selected as Chief Minister designate.

APPENDIX

STATEMENT MADE BY SENATOR IAN JOSEPH GORST

INTRODUCTION

In November 2011 when I asked for Members' trust as Chief Minister, I set out the key areas for reform that I saw as essential to build a successful and cohesive community at the heart of Island life:

• Education and training;
• Economic growth and the availability of jobs;
• Provision of affordable homes;
• Enjoyment of good health and;
• Access to a secure retirement.

These priorities all remain as important now as they were three years ago.

Whilst the last Council has made significant progress in these areas, the new Council needs to take these to the next stage. The backdrop of continuing worldwide economic uncertainty remains. The competing demand for enhanced public services needs to be balanced against the limited resources available. Service improvements need to be funded by a co-ordination of efficiencies, savings and economic growth.

DELIVERING JOBS

Whilst it is encouraging that the number of unemployed Islanders has fallen, there are still too many who face the challenges of life without paid employment.

I intend to continue and further strengthen the strategies we have put in place to help people into work.

The Back to Work programme targets those most in need of assistance. We will further add to its effectiveness in providing sustainable job opportunities for locally qualified Islanders by including within its ambit the co-ordination of all government employment schemes, the development of targeted schemes to support locally qualified jobseekers, and the building of partnerships with employers.

I will continue with the financial initiatives put in place to encourage employers to take on the long-term unemployed – the employment grant, Community Jobs Fund and the Youth Incentive have all played their part in moving jobseekers of different ages and skills back into the workplace.

By continuing to listen to and engage with employers and utilising initiatives such as job match, job club and job fest more jobseekers, particularly young people, should be work- ready' with the skills and attitude to work that will make them valued and permanent recruits.

Considered and targeted training schemes for areas of the economy where demand is picking up – construction and the care sector come to mind – will be key in filling these jobs with those with at least five years' residence in the Island.

Of course, there will be some in our community who despite the States' best endeavours, are still reluctant to take up the opportunities on offer and, instead of accepting a hand up', are still tempted by the notion of a hand out' I will keep under review the effectiveness of changes already made that have created immediate financial penalties for the minority of benefit claimants who seek to avoid their responsibilities.

In contrast, increasing the earnings disregard for Income Support claimants has incentivised those willing to work and it must be right that this too is kept under review and further increased if possible.

SECURING ECONOMIC GROWTH AND A STRONG RECOVERY

Key to reducing the number of Islanders out of work is a successful economic growth strategy to deliver new jobs. We now have the building blocks in place to encourage innovation, attract quality businesses and maximise local enterprise.

The Jersey Innovation Fund, Enterprise Action Plan and the Financial Services Policy Framework now need to be developed further to create the promised employment opportunities – but this will not be easy.

Enterprise

We are competing with other jurisdictions hungrier for growth from all over the globe. The world of the future is a more competitive one and it is vital Jersey competes effectively in this global challenge for sustainable growth. It is a challenge we cannot afford to lose. We must ensure that our legislation maintains our competitiveness.

Small Business Exemptions

In order to remain aligned to our competitors I will propose pilot exemptions to the Employment Law for small business starting with an extension to the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims.

We must also ensure that self-employed Social Security contributions are reformed for low earning individuals, encouraging new business start-ups.

Financial Services

We must continue our support for the financial services sector ensuring that existing markets and products are protected, whilst also promoting our services to new markets and developing new products, refining the fund offering, promoting philanthropy and other areas.

The new Tri-partite Partnership with the Government, Industries and the Commission must be maintained.

In addition, the new Memorandum of Understanding with the Jersey Financial Services Commission will underpin this vital relationship.

I will also progress the creation of a new overarching Monetary Authority.

The Digital Opportunity

Technology is and will continue to change all of our lives. Jersey needs not only to respond but to lead in this sector and I propose that this is championed with a new Ministerial focus seizing the opportunities that currently exist for new growth. The development of Digital Jersey and continued investment in Jersey Business will also help to promote new technologies and expansion into niche areas such as Fintech and Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.

Promoting Jersey overseas

The Island will need to continue to raise its international profile, keep and enhance its good reputation and to comply with relevant international standards. Through positive engagement and co-operation, we now have good working relationships with both of our near neighbours. This is not by chance but by acting confidently and dealing with problems when they arise.

All members have a responsibility to promote Jersey internationally, accurately reflecting our economy, our culture and our heritage.

Tourism

I fully support a new tourism Strategy with bold and deliverable targets. The new Visit Jersey body has the opportunity to innovate, raise the profile of the Island and promote Jersey as a year-round event-based tourism destination. I will strongly support event led Tourism with a focus on spoilt Tourism.

There is no better opportunity to continue the 2014 success with a focus on Tourism in 2015 with the Liberation 70 and 2015 Island Games.

Agriculture and Fisheries

Agriculture and fisheries are important sectors past, present and future. Our farmers have a vital role as custodians of the countryside, saving government money by services such as branchage and keeping Jersey looking beautiful. I will ensure that the financial support government provides is used in a way that supports those in the industry. The new rural economy strategy will be an important milestone, which will have my full support.

EDUCATION

To make sure that our school leavers are best placed to fill the job opportunities that arise, I will be continuing efforts to raise academic standards and vocational opportunities in our schools and colleges. The new Council of Ministers will need to spend considerable time supporting Education. We need to be certain that all our young people are given the best opportunity to reach their full potential.

The Trackers Apprentice Programme is a prime example of the initiatives that must be supported to align training more closely with the available job opportunities. We need to attract our brightest students back to the Island with opportunities in the civil service and a diversified private sector - these are our future leaders with a greater commitment to and understanding of our community.

Partnership with teachers

The recently signed partnership agreement is a positive step forward enabling teachers to be an integral part of education reform.

1001 Days

I support the signing up to the 1001 days programme'. We must remember that early intervention and investment in early years is one of the greatest investments in its future any community can make.

PROMOTING A VIBRANT AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY

As Chief Minister I see it as my duty to help create a community where everyone feels valued, is treated fairly, is adequately housed and cared for.

Housing

On an Island such as ours, it is not surprising that we continue to face challenges associated with the supply and affordability of homes. I will be continuing efforts to support first-time buyers, with £250M available for investment in new affordable homes for Islanders. I will support the increase of supply of all forms of tenures. We need to get building, and I'm pleased that building on brownfield sites is now happening. We must continue to work with the construction sector to deal with supply of labour issues.

The wholly States-owned Andium Homes continues its development programme, which aims to generate additional affordable homes for rental and at the same time to refurbish the existing housing stock.

The establishment of the Strategic Housing Unit in the Chief Minister's Department means that housing policy and strategy is fully integrated with the coordinated delivery of social policy and other related plans which impact on housing requirements. I will be closely monitoring the new Residential Tenancy Law which sets out a long-awaited modern framework of rights and responsibilities for both tenants and landlords.

Disabled Services

At the moment the Island's approach to the provision of services for those with a disability is piecemeal. It is essential that all Islanders are afforded an opportunity to participate in Island life. To do this we must adopt a strategy that sets out a cohesive approach to disability.

Discrimination

Ensuring that all members of our community are treated fairly and not subject to discrimination is essential to community well-being. I will continue to support the development of the discrimination law with protection against race discrimination likely to be followed by sex, age and disability legislation. Public consultation will be undertaken at each stage and the phased approach recognises the need to ensure that employers have sufficient time to make any necessary preparations.

HEALTH

Continued access to high-quality healthcare is a pre-requisite for Islanders. We will continue to support Health's plans to redesign services, the focus being on the patient and their best long-term health outcomes, with greater emphasis on community-based support and increased provision for home care services. In addition, rapid response teams will keep hospital stays to a minimum.

Mental health has for too long not received the attention it deserves. I will be supporting plans to update the Mental Health Law and to radically improve the support available for those suffering from mental health issues.

Any mention of health care would be incomplete without mention of the need for the new hospital. I am committed to moving forward with the plans to deliver the new hospital – be it a single or dual site solution. We need to get on with this and I intend to make achieving progress on this one of my top priorities.

REFORMING AND MODERNISING THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Initiatives underway to reform the public service must continue. The vision of e-government needs to become a reality delivering enhanced customer service and easier interaction with States departments. Workforce modernisation continues with a new reward structure underpinned by a new job evaluation scheme currently in development. I am committed to working with the trade union representatives to secure the changes required, while retaining a motivated and dedicated workforce.

We have to continue to change our public service culture. Bureaucracy saps the spirit of the people and the community. By allowing staff to be creative and reviewing the various processes we can improve efficiency and productivity across each department. We must continue to cut and control costs, balancing income and expenditure, following the best independent economic advice provided by the Fiscal Policy Panel.

My experience is that our public servants work incredibly hard with commitment and dedication but with limited resources we need to review whether we are asking them to do the right things.

As part of the redesign of the public sector we must continually work to ensure that departments work in a co-ordinated manner, moving functions as necessary to best serve Islanders. This can achieve increased effectiveness, efficiency and consequent cost savings.

ST HELIER

A priority of the new Council of Ministers should be to restructure the relationship between the States and the Parish of St Helier. There are efficiencies to be achieved, better decision making and a fairer deal for Parishioners.

STRATEGIC PLAN AND MEDIUM TERM FINANCIAL PLAN

A priority of the next Council of Ministers would be to submit to the States Assembly a new Strategic Plan and a new Medium Term Financial Plan 2016-2019.

I have explained some of my priorities for the new Strategic Plan. In terms of the MTFP this needs to retain our fiscal prudence, deliver the investment required by savings, productivity and efficiency improvements together with economic growth – all under the advice of our economic and financial advisers.

STATES REFORM

The electorate has spoken in the referendum to support the retention of the Constables in the States Assembly. The referendum result demonstrates, amongst other things, the importance of our Parish honorary system which I fully recognise and support. I also propose that the necessary law change be brought for debate as soon as possible. I also propose the creation of a "Reform Grand Committee" constituted of Members of the States to carry reform forward. This will be a difficult but necessary process of consultation and consensus building.

I am determined to build the trust of the Public in not only the government of Jersey but also the States of Jersey Assembly.

FULFILLIING MY RESPONSIBILITIES AS CHIEF MINISTER

When I stood for election three years ago I stated that it would be an honour and a privilege to serve as Chief Minister. In recent weeks I said it would be an honour and a privilege to serve the community of the Island in this capacity once again.

In my three years as Chief Minister I have sought to demonstrate effective leadership and balanced judgement. At the core of every decision I have made is the desire to act in the best interests of our Island community and this will continue to be my priority if you choose to elect me for another term. I would continue to act with the honesty and integrity that I have demonstrated during my career in the States Assembly.

I have a track record that shows I have a can do' attitude and that I am not afraid of making difficult and potentially unpopular decisions. I have sought to make the right decisions by combining strong leadership with a consensual approach, which starts with a willingness to consider contrary views and to engage with those with whom I may not always agree.

In making decisions, I strive to take people with me, based on proposals that are sensible, balanced and thoroughly researched. Equally, however, decisions need to be made in a timely manner. It is not an answer to constantly defer.

As Chief Minister I have exhibited a readiness to listen to informed views – whether at the Council of Ministers, at Scrutiny Panels or in the course of debates or questions in the Assembly.

Lively debate and close questioning from Scrutiny are key to the development of successful policy initiatives and, if elected, I will be expecting more than ever to face constructive challenges to proposals put forward by the Council of Ministers. I encourage colleagues to get involved in the Scrutiny process, recognising its key role as a check and balance on the activities of the Council of Ministers. The Island will be better for it. The electorate has little appetite for entrenched views and personalised and introspective debates.

Looking around us, Jersey has strong foundations and is in a good place, but we remain a small island in a challenging world; all of us need to work together to secure our future well- being - Islanders expect no less.