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19-21 Broad Street | St Helier Jersey | JE2 4WE
Deputy Moz Scott
Chair, Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel
BY EMAIL 07 July 2023
Dear Deputy Scott ,
Many thanks for your letter dated the 28th June 2023 regarding the reappointment process of Jersey Overseas Aid Commissioners.
- Could you clarify what is governance best practice and if this will be considered in due course.
Jersey Overseas Aid's approach to good governance is guided by the States, charity good governance, as per https://www.charitygovernancecode.org/en/5-board-effectiveness, and Jersey Appointments Commission advice. We, like many organisations, do not advertise for reappointment of Commissioners after each of their terms, but only after the recommended nine years is complete if they have chosen to stay for that length of time.
- The Panel notes that Jersey Overseas Aid Commissioner Douglas Melville has committed to resign in January 2025 after 9 years of service. What measures are being taken to ensure 3 year appointments are not being rolled over successively ad infinitum without considering alternative appointments?
Jersey Overseas Aid follows the recommendation of the Jersey Appointments Commission that States appointees and members of independent bodies should not normally be appointed for terms in excess of nine years. In this case, because the appointment expired between three year terms, an undertaking of Mr Melville to resign after reaching nine years was obtained.
- What actions will you be undertaking to advertise the position prior to new recruitment in January 2025?
The recruitment of the new Commissioner will be advertised through traditional and digital channels, including the Jersey Evening Post and social media.
- Can you confirm what measures you are undertaking to ensure that the Commissioners are a diverse and balanced group of people in terms of gender, age, experience and skills (to date, the appointments have been 4/6 in favour of male).
While the diversity and balance of the Commission is very important, recommendations are made on merit against objective criteria, with the Jersey Appointments Commission informed, then elected by the States. It is worth noting that until recently, the Commission has indeed been gender balanced, and that three Commissioners depend on States Elections, and the pool available from the Executive Members. The experience and skills of appointees are very much taken into account when recommending Commissioners to the States Assembly.
- The last major update to the Jersey Overseas Aid Commission (Jersey) Law2005 was to establish the Minister for International Development in 2018. Has any need for further changes to the 2005 law been identified?
There have not been major changes to the Jersey Overseas Aid Commission (Jersey) Law2005 since 2018 and it is felt that, for now, it is suitable.
I hope that the above information is helpful to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me if there are any further clarifications.
Kind regards,
Deputy Carolyn Labey
Minister for International Development