Monday 01 June 2015
The States Review Committee has published its second stage of recommendations for reform of the machinery of government in Guernsey, proposing fewer committees with broader mandates and a reduction in the number of States Members.
In July 2014 the States Assembly formally committed to significant organisational reforms to take effect from May 2016, at the commencement of the new government, following elections scheduled for April 2016. Those formal commitments included the formation of a new senior committee - the Policy & Resources Committee - to bring together the co‐ordination of policy and resources and external relations, and of a Scrutiny Management Committee to lead the scrutiny of policy, expenditure and legislation. A presumption was established in favour of fewer committees with broader mandates and a reduction in the number of States' Members, and the Assembly directed the States Review Committee to bring a report setting out its proposals.
In this second policy letter the Committee makes 37 recommendations which further develop the changes agreed already. This will be debated in the States Assembly from 7 July 2015.
The States Review Committee's proposals provide for matter to be dealt with at their appropriate level. The Committee's view is that the States Assembly should concern themselves with debating legislation, broad policies and priorities, items of significant expenditure and matters of major public interest and setting the framework in which the rest of the administration should operate. Principal Committees should develop policy, advise the States on policy, review performance and budgets and oversee and hold to account the delivery of services with a view to securing improved outcomes for the community. The Policy & Resources Committee should concentrate on the co-ordination of policies and resources and representing the Island externally. Officers should run public services in accordance with policies set down by the States and their committees.
Deputy Matt Fallaize, a member of the States Review Committee, said:
"The reforms agreed by the States last year, and developed further in this policy letter, represent substantial reform of the committee system, but they are pragmatic and achievable.
If adopted as a package they should provide conditions more conducive to effective leadership and the sound co-ordination of policies and resources; proportionate checks and balances' and sufficient flexibility to adapt if and when circumstances change.
The Committee is please to note that supportive letters of comment have also been issued by both the Policy Council and by the Treasury & Resources Department. It is also pleased to have been able to liaise closely with the Chief Executive of the States of Guernsey and senior officers, including Head of HR and Organisation Development."
Deputy Richard Conder, a member of the States Review Committee, said:
"The purpose of these and other change is to improve the Island's traditional committee system in order that it can better support the States in their most important objective - serving the people of Guernsey now and in the future.
The proposals have been put together after significant consultation over the past three years with current and former Deputies, current and former civil servants, and experts from the Crown Dependencies. The Committee has significant input from many people and we are very grateful for that input."
The second stage proposals provide for substantial rationalisation of the committee structure and set out in more detail the duties and powers of the Policy & Resources Committee. They redefine the purpose, responsibilities and operation of committees, set out a workable policy and resource planning process and begin to address the need for greater ownership of policy in committees.
The proposals also establish better governance arrangements for certain specialised functions, including the States' shareholder interests and trading concerns and land planning and development control. They provide for more flexible and focused scrutiny of committees and begin to address the need to strengthen the impartiality, resources and powers of the new Scrutiny Management Committee. They also allow for a measured reduction in the size of the States.
Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, a member of the States Review Committee, said:
"The reform agenda that is being led by the States' Review Committee will overhaul the way government in Guernsey works. The proposals form an essential next step in simplifying and improving our political system and set out a clearer division of roles within and across government. I believe this will lead to better policy development, better decision-making and ultimately better government.
Subject to the view of the States Assembly on these proposals, the States Review Committee will soon thereafter produce a third report covering the detailed implementation of the proposed changes. This will be done working closely with the Chief Executive of the States of Guernsey."
Two public meetings will be held with members of the States Review Committee:
- 19:00, 19 June, Cambridge & Delancey Rooms at Beau Sejour
- 19:00, 2 July, Cambridge & Delancey Rooms at Beau Sejour
-ENDS-
Further information
You can find the States Review Committee's second stage proposals in the Policy Letter here.
All documents relating to the States Review Committee's work can be accessed at: www.gov.gg/statesreview
