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21.01.19
10 Connétable K. Shenton-Stone of St. Martin of the Minister for Economic
Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture regarding arts and culture strategies (OQ.8/2021):
Will the Minister advise what action, if any, is being taken to ensure that senior leads and officers of the new arts and culture strategies are sourced locally?
Senator L.J. Farnham (The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture):
Thank you. Deputy Morel will take this question.
Deputy K.F. Morel (Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and
Culture - rapporteur):
Thank you, and I would like to thank the Connétable for her question. Recently, we have the Department of the Economy being restructured into the Department of the Economy from the Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture Department that it was. As a result of that restructuring, a number of new roles were approved, including a new sector lead for culture and arts, and I am pleased to advise that a new sector lead has been appointed and will be joining the department at the end of March. He will be supporting the existing officer in the delivery of the department's priorities and that includes the rollout of a new art strategy. He will also support Jersey Heritage Trust in the delivery of the new heritage strategy. Both the existing officer and a new cultural lead were living and working in Jersey prior to their appointments so I am pleased to be able to give the Connétable assurance in that area.
[12:30]
- Senator S.W. Pallett:
Could I ask the Assistant Minister what process was followed to ensure that those that were appointed had the expertise and knowledge to ensure that they can provide the support that the Assistant Minister requires and the department requires?
Deputy K.F. Morel :
Well, the usual process in terms of the involvement of the Jersey Appointments Commission was involved in the appointment itself. From my perspective, I was not involved in the appointment because it was taking place during the period when the Assistant Ministers were being changed. I do, however, have full confidence that an officer of appropriate qualifications and understanding has been appointed and that I will be able to work with them in a constructive manner.
- Deputy R.J. Ward :
Can I ask the Assistant Minister: is he sure that the process tried to ensure that diversity, equity and increasing the range of minorities or women employed was undertaken as part of the process of employing somebody in order to get that gender balance, is what I was trying to look for in my mind? Thank you.
Deputy K.F. Morel :
It is a really good question. Unfortunately, it is one that I am unable to answer because I was not involved in the appointment itself but I will endeavour to find out for the Deputy .
- The Connétable of St. Martin:
It is important to ensure that the new arts and culture strategy is followed by a local and hire local approach as I believe that there must be some really excellent local candidates for these posts. Does the Assistant Minister agree?
Deputy K.F. Morel :
Yes, it is without doubt something that I agree with and whether it is now or in the coming 18 months or further into what I hope will be a fairly lengthy States career, I hope, it is something that I would really like to see improved in the appointment of people to the Government of Jersey. There is no doubt that people in my mind, if they are appropriately qualified, will be able to give their best to the Island if they have a knowledge of this Island and, so, yes, it is my view that wherever we can, we should try to hire and buy local.