Wednesday 15 December 2021
The Policy & Resources sub-committee charged with looking at the "effective government" element of Priority Area Four in the Government Work Plan - Reshaping Government - held its inaugural meeting yesterday (14th December).
The sub-committee primarily considered a work plan designed to deliver against its terms of reference (attached).
Initial actions that have emerged include arranging engagement sessions with a variety of participants, including States Members and community representatives, early in the new year, and the recruitment of a further sub-committee member who is not a member of the States of Deliberation.
The sub-committee intends to submit a policy letter via the Policy & Resources Committee to the States for consideration in Q1 2023, although its work will not end at that point, as it will also need to ensure that the proposals are implemented smoothly. Any changes to the structure or nature of government will be intended to take effect from the start of the 2025 term but experience has shown that the lead-in time to any such changes is crucial to ensure success.
As it develops its work the sub-committee is also keen to take advantage of any opportunities to start to effect change, rather than waiting until 2025.
Deputy Heidi Soulsby, who is chair of the sub-committee, said:
"We had a very productive first meeting that has allowed us to consider and shape our priorities and how we intend to deliver them. We realise that we cannot overestimate the need for consultation and engagement, which is why this is going to be one of our early actions. We will soon be contacting community organisations to ask them to nominate representatives for workshops and we hope there will be a good response.
"We are also keen to have someone on the sub-committee who is not part of government and can help us to reflect on how our actions might impact the wider community. An advert will go out shortly for this role, and I would strongly encourage any interested parties to consider applying."
