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States Greffe
Deputy Kristina Moore Chief Minister
BY EMAIL
29th March 2023 Dear Chief Minister,
Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel Resignation of the Government's Chief Executive Officer
Subsequent to the resignation of the Government's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Suzanne Wylie, and the emerging media coverage in that regard, the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel (the Panel) met on 29th March 2023 to discuss the matter further. Considering the significance of the developing circumstances and the concerns raised regarding the matter, the Panel has agreed to request the following information:
- The process to identify an interim CEO and the timeline in that regard. In addition, the timeline for announcing the interim CEO to members of the public.
- The process and timeline to recruit a new CEO to the role.
- The work being carried out regarding any potential changes to the scope of the CEO role and any legislative changes that will be required as a result. In addition, the impact of this workstream on the timeline for recruiting a new CEO to the role.
- How the current CEO role interacts with the structure of the Cabinet Office and the changes that are being considered.
- The workstreams that the current CEO is undertaking and the impact of her departure on the progress of the workstreams identified and how any negative impact will be alleviated.
- The Panel notes, during the Youth Assembly on 28th March 2023 that Deputy Morel responded to a question without notice in relation to the recent resignation of the CEO and on the working environment within the Office of the Chief Executive. Deputy Morel explained that the role of the CEO was a tough role and that together with the CEO consideration was being given to how the role could be better structured with regard to scale and scope. In light of this response, what concerns have been expressed by the CEO to you, to date, in relation the scope and scale of the role and her capacity to adequately fulfil the role?
- An update on the advancements regarding the whistleblowing policy which was implemented in November 2022 and is due for review in October 2024.
- The internal investigations being undertaken as a result of the claims made by Ministers and Government Civil Servants in relation to the working environment, culture and behaviours within the Office of the Chief Executive and whether an independent investigation into the matter will be pursued.
- The steps being taken to ensure a positive and productive working relationship between Ministers and Government Civil Servants, in light of the recent events.
- The process followed to inform all States Employment Board (SEB) members of the CEO's resignation and whether all members were notified and made aware of the CEO's resignation.
- Any agreements that have been made between yourself and the CEO on how the CEO communicates publicly following her resignation.
- Any communications to encourage the CEO to communicate publicly following her resignation.
In addition, the Panel also requests to receive the following documents:
- The records of every instance, during your term of office, where political discussions on the scope and scale of the role of the CEO have taken place, with and without the involvement of the CEO. Please also identify on how many occasions the CEO was involved in those discussions.
- All Government records, during your term of office, of any complaints raised by Ministers and Government Civil Servants regarding unacceptable behaviour.
The Panel would be grateful to receive a written response and the requested documentation by no later than Thursday 6th April 2023. Please be aware that it is the Panel's intention to publish the response it receives on the States Assembly Website. In instances where you identify information that should remain private, please provide the relevant exemption under the Freedom of Information Law.
Yours Sincerely,
Deputy Sam Mézec
Chair
Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel