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2.2 Connétable A.S. Crowcroft of St. Helier of the Chief Minister regarding the process for the appointment of staff in the Communications Unit:
Would the Chief Minister describe the process leading up to the recent appointment of staff in the Communications Unit, state how many candidates there were for the post, and indicate whether the process took account of the skills available in the private sector, in local PR firms and the media?
Senator F.H. Walker (The Chief Minister):
The appointment process followed established recruitment procedures. There were 10 applicants, of whom 8 were from local PR firms and the media. There was a strong list of applicants with 5 candidates being short-listed for interview and the Communications Manager was appointed on merit.
- Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier:
Could the Chief Minister outline whether thought was given to a different way of delivering service in that regard; for example, outsourcing part of the service to a private company?
Senator F.H. Walker :
Yes, Sir, it was and it was rejected because (a) it is more expensive; and (b) particularly with the need to co-ordinate with many Ministries and the need to publish to staff regular communication updates on the programme of change - which requires a fulltime presence - that option was not thought favourable.
- The Connétable of St. Helier :
Could the Chief Minister confirm that the Communications Manager he referred to was the same person who was on a one-year contract with the Communications Unit until recently?
Senator F.H. Walker : Yes, Sir.