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Transfer of the Sport Division
to Economic Development
Frequently asked questions
- What is the purpose and rationale for the transfer?
To raise sport up the political agenda, provide it with a strong political champion' and give it additional support to deliver the Fit for the Future strategy.
This can be better achieved within Economic Development (EDD) because some of its other activities have been moved. EDD welcomes the transfer and is committed to providing the focus needed to sustain future development.
The transfer also means Education can concentrate on its priorities for school standards, skills and training.
- What are the benefits?
The major benefit is access to greater political and executive support. EDD wants the Sport Division and sees this as a very positive move.
Sport will become one of the largest components of the department's portfolio – alongside Tourism – in terms of personnel and budget. Once the other activity transfers out of EDD have taken place, its core team will effectively number less than 40.
- What will change?
The transfer is unlikely to produce much visible change. EDD wants to take its time to consult with the whole of the Sport team and work with Sport Management. The management will enjoy the same autonomy that it has always had, but will have direct access to EDD's senior management.
- What happens next and when?
There is no confirmed date at the moment but the aim is for this to happen as soon as possible. Before the transfer can take place it has to be agreed by the States. The earliest this can happen is March 2015. As soon as we have more information we will let staff know. At the moment, the transfer of Sport and Culture divisions from Education to Economic Development, are being reviewed by the Corporate Services Scrutiny Panel. Once that review is complete and if the States Assembly agrees to the transfer, Ministerial Decisions will be made for that to happen which will take immediate effect.
- Whose idea was it?
The transfer was a political decision made by the Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst , and announced in a policy statement made after his re-election.
- Will the management team of the Sports Division be engaged in the transfer process? Some initial discussions have taken place and the Sport Management Team will be directly involved in the transfer process. There should be only minimal changes to the operations until the new Assistant Minister for Sport, St Brelade Constable Steve Pallett, has had an opportunity to review and comment on the annual business plans.
- How will the transfer affect Sport staff?
It will be business as usual but staff will see sport taking a higher public profile, reflecting its importance to Island life. Staff will still be doing the same job but with a different sponsoring department and Minister.
- Will there be an organisational chart for Sport so that we can see where we fit in, who's who and who's in charge?
Once all the changes in the department are complete we can prepare a new organisational chart that includes Sport. Responsibility for the integration of Sport has been given to EDD's Deputy Chief Executive Andrew Sugden, who reports directly to Chief Officer Mike King, and attends weekly Ministerial meetings. Sport is being given the highest level of support and access within the department.
- What will happen with the IT, finance and HR support services that are currently provided by Education Sport and Culture?
The integration process has only just started but EDD and Education are talking about support services and how they should be provided. HR and Treasury are also involved in making sure the right level of resources are in place.
- What funding will be available to upgrade and maintain public sports facilities and will funding for sport reduce even further than it has under Education Sport and Culture?
An extra £6 million was made available for the sport strategy for 2014 and 2015 and £4.5 million of this will be used to upgrade facilities in time for the Island Games. EDD will work with Sport Management and Property Holdings to identify resources required for facility maintenance or upgrades in future and will put forward the necessary bid for funding.
- What will happen to the sport strategy?
Fit for the Future will remain the Strategy to be followed in terms of delivering the government objectives. The Sport Division can be proud of their initial delivery against the strategy and will be encouraged to work with EDD senior management to bid for the resources needed in the next round of States funding, which will cover 2016 to 2019.
- How will our direction change when we join Economic Development?
The direction will be the same. EDD recognises fully the social impact of sport and is committed to continuing to develop and deliver services that bring lifestyle and competition advantages to the wider Island population.
EDD has no pre-set agenda for sport. We will be working towards an agreed mission statement specifically for Sport over the coming months.
- What are Economic Development's ambitions and strategy for sport over the next three years?
EDD wants to work with its new team to fully realise the sporting potential for the whole community. Its ambitions are that sport be a driver in a wide number of areas – health, education, inclusion, tourism, reputational – which, in turn, will allow the government to make informed choices about areas of activity and the levels of future investment.
- What will the impact be on the links that we have with schools and education?
Sport in Jersey is part of a much wider social agenda that will continue to include close links with education, but also has an impact on health, tourism, employment and social inclusion. It is important that all these are recognised.
- Will the Haute Vallee Pool and Langford and Oakfield Sports Centres stay with the Education portfolio or transfer over? What is the rationale in either case?
It is intended that as much of the Sport portfolio as possible will transfer to EDD, unless it can be proved that there is a strong reason for an activity to stay with Education. Discussions are still under way but the aim is to protect the services that are essential to schools while maintaining a consistent, professional service across our sites.
- Will the transfer mean that the operation becomes more commercial?
As part of the transfer, Economic Development will provide the expertise and resources to the Sport Management Team that will enable them to identify whether there is scope for new development. Any projects will have to be supported by a robust business case and will have to be approved by the Minister.
- Will it change our charging policy and the services we offer free of charge to schools, the Youth Service and other community groups?
EDD will be providing only political and executive support to Sport. All management and operational issues will remain the responsibility the Sport Management Team, with the usual reference to the Assistant Minister, via EDD senior managers for strategic or development matters.
There shouldn't be an immediate impact on service delivery. Agreements will be put in place between EDD/Jersey Property Holdings, Education and other States Departments to ensure affordable access to States sports facilities in order to continue delivery of programmes.
- As well as having a commercial side, the sports centres play a big role in the community. Will the transfer change this?
The Fit for the Future Strategy includes specific objectives to maximise use of community facilities as part of a wider physical literacy programme. The Council of Ministers supports this and no change is intended.
- Will Economic Development change its name to include sport?
Under the current proposals of the EDD Ministerial Team, Economic Development is likely to become the Department for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture.
- Will everything need to be rebranded?
There is currently no intention to rebrand in any significant way. This is only likely to happen where, or if, a strong case for doing so is brought forward by the Sport management team.
- Is this the first step towards privatising sport?
No. EDD has no pre-conceived plans for Sport. The services will continue to be delivered in a way that is affordable to the wider Island population.
- What are Economic Development's plans for the Rediscovering Fort Regent Project and are they committed to delivering the business plan?
EDD has to date only been a consultee on plans being drawn up by Treasury and Property Holdings. EDD will now become part of the steering group and will seek to secure an appropriate level of involvement as plans are progressed. EDD is committed to the project but is not leading it. We will be supporting the Treasury and other departments to identify funding and resources to move the project forward.
- Who do I speak to if I have more questions or concerns?
Please raise any questions or concerns you have with your Centre or Line Manager who will then pass these onto EDD.