Monday 08 April 2019
The Policy & Resources Committee has welcomed the upcoming Scrutiny Management Committee hearing and is hoping as many members of the public as possible will be able to attend.
As well as supporting the wider scrutiny process and ensuring there is a robust and open opportunity to question the work and direction of all States committees, P&R sees this as an important chance to update the committee and the public on the progress and priorities of the States-wide Transformation Programme.
Islanders may only be aware of the more high-profile elements of the Transformation Programme such as the Partnership of Purpose led by Health & Social Care or the reform of education. Each of these is important, but they form only a part of the wider public service reform. P&R therefore welcome the chance to provide an update on other crucial work covering the Revenue Service, property rationalisation and Future Digital Services, to name just a few.
The principle aims P&R have for these projects in the coming months include:
- Improved quality of public service
- Reduced public expenditure
- Major investment in technology within the States and to benefit the wider economy
- Further reductions in the States' property portfolio
- Improvements in how we prioritise work across the States
All the various projects complement each other. Each is just one component of a wholesale redesign and it is important they are treated as such if they are to lead to lasting change.
Ahead of the Scrutiny Management Committee hearing, Paul Whitfield, Chief Executive Officer of the States of Guernsey said:
''Once you put all of the elements together, the wider Transformation Programme is the biggest attempt to substantially and sustainably reform the delivery of public services that Guernsey has ever undertaken. They are all inter-connected and cannot be unpicked from each other. We have done the planning, we know the way forward, but now we have to make it happen as results are really what islanders are most interested in. It is also essential that this transformation is not seen as a one-off project but a new way of working for government."
Policy & Resources President, Deputy Gavin St Pier said:
''Much of the ground work has been undertaken. But now more than ever, it's vital we do not lose sight of the bigger picture as we discuss and debate individual aspects of the Transformation Programme. For those working in the public sector and for States Members, I realise it won't always be easy. Change is hard. But transformation underpins medium term financial planning for government which in turn is central to delivery of the States' priorities. The alternative is standing still, and the consequences of that are unsustainable and unaffordable public services. Ultimately, this is about ensuring that in the future we can deliver fit for purpose public services that are affordable to taxpayers. In short, there is no alternative.''
The Scrutiny Management Committee Hearing will take place at 10am, 10th April in the Castel Douzaine Room.
