The official version of this document can be found via the PDF button.
The below content has been automatically generated from the original PDF and some formatting may have been lost, therefore it should not be relied upon to extract citations or propose amendments.
2.15 The Deputy of St. Martin of the Chief Minister regarding the review of suspensions in line with P.98/2009 approved by the States on 1st July 2009:
Will the Chief Minister show Members that the panel to review the continuing need for suspensions is operating in line with P.98 of 2009 approved by the States on 1st July 2009 and advise what steps, if any, have been taken to ensure that suspended States employees are informed that they are now able to seek a review for the continuation of their suspensions?
Senator T.A. Le Sueur (The Chief Minister):
The States Employment Board and the Deputy of St. Martin are of one mind in wanting to reduce the number and duration of staff suspensions in the public service. The process to form the panel has commenced and terms of reference to the panel are being drafted to review suspensions and advise suspended employees of their rights to have their suspensions reviewed by the panel. The States Employment Board, through the Chief Minister, is also considering bringing an amendment to P.46/2009 in the near future as the Board considers that the use of a panel of public employees to review suspensions is perhaps not the best way to achieve the overall aim to minimise the amount of time an employee is suspended and ensure that due process has been followed. I will keep the Deputy and the House informed as soon as this panel has been set up.
- The Deputy of St. Martin :
I am astounded that the States have agreed to instruct the States Employment Board to implement a panel. They brought a panel back to the States which was not acceptable and my amendment was accepted whereby a panel should be instructed. Now we have the Council of Ministers not adhering to that policy. I gather there is a vote of
no confidence going to the States Employment Board. I am not surprised. Can I ask the Minister when he is bringing forward this amendment so indeed people who are suspended are treated in a fair manner?
Senator T.A. Le Sueur :
I did say in my response that the process to form the panel has commenced and terms
of reference are being drafted. It is underway.
- The Deputy of St. Martin :
Can I just ask the Chief Minister why is he thinking about bringing an amendment to the House to change the composition of the review board?
Senator T.A. Le Sueur :
We are doing both things. We are firstly complying with the wishes of the House in bringing forward this panel, as the Deputy and the House requested, but we are also trying to ensure that the States follow the best possible policy and if we can improve on that policy in time to come, we will do so, or suggest we do so. I am not saying that we are going to override the States view. That is not my intention. That is not what is happening. What is happening is that the policy is being set up, the panel is being set up, but at the same time we are reviewing ongoing procedures.
- The Deputy of St. Martin :
Can I just have a supplementary to my supplementary? Will the Chief Minister then accept the fact the Chief Minister's office are going to advertise for members to serve on the panel as approved by this House? Can I get that assurance and how soon will that panel be up and running?
Senator T.A. Le Sueur :
The answer is yes, we will be doing that. As to when, I would hope within the next few weeks.