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Letter - Public Accounts Committee to Chief Executive re Upcoming Public Hearings - 15 March 2021

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States Greffe

Chief Executive URGENT: BY EMAIL

15 March 2020

Dear Chief Executive,

Upcoming public hearings with PAC

I am writing to request that you reconsider your decision not to appear before the Public Accounts Committee on 29 March, prior to your departure as Chief Executive Officer on 31 March 2021. As you are aware, the PAC is holding a public hearing on 29th March with the Chief of Staff and the Chief Operating Officer on a number of topics related to its Performance Management  review,  including  the  Use  of  Consultants  and  Digital  Modernisation.  The Committee will be following up on how public funds are being spent on the digital programme and whether the continuing engagement of consultants throughout Government departments represents value for money. The public will be asked to submit questions in advance of the hearing.

You have declined to appear before PAC at any time between now and your departure date, citing  time  pressures/annual  leave  and  conflicting  appointments  including  handover arrangements.  We  have  attempted  to  be  flexible,  understanding  that  you  have  many competing priorities in the short time left between now and the end of the month, but we would like to be afforded an opportunity to discuss with you several outstanding issues.  

Accountability to the Public Accounts Committee is an inherent part of your responsibilities to all Islanders and it is disappointing that you have chosen to decline to appear before us-We will of course be meeting with the interim successor shortly and we will continue to pursue arrangements to ensure you fulfil your obligations to the Committee while in post.

I ask that you give this request urgent consideration – Unless I hear from you before tomorrow at noon, I shall be issuing a press statement about the upcoming hearing which will include reference to your declining to appear before the PAC.

Yours sincerely,

Deputy Inna Gardiner , Chair, Public Accounts Committee

Scrutiny Office | States Greffe | Morier House | St Helier | Jersey | JE1 1DD Tel: 01534 441080 | Fax: 01534 441077 | email: scrutiny@gov.je