P&R’s tight rein on top jobs leaves one president fuming

Committees have been told that Policy & Resources – in the form of Dave Mahoney, its political lead on employment matters – would now routinely scrutinise all proposed appointments to roles at senior officer grade one and above – on salaries of £1,000 a week and above.

The P&R push-back has started and Deputy Peter Roffey, president of two significant States committees, has questioned its value.

‘Senior posts should be subject to political oversight but I think that is from those who understand whether or not that post is really required,’ he said yesterday, having raised the issue with P&R vice-president Heidi Soulsby at a Scrutiny Committee public hearing to discuss the Government Work Plan.

Deputy Roffey’s States’ Trading Supervisory Board has already had applications rejected and he expects the new oversight to continue to be tough.

‘I don’t believe that Deputy Mahoney is in the best position to judge, as those who deliver the services may be,’ he said.

He described the proposal for more ‘central control’ as potentially dangerous.

‘I am quite frustrated and worried about the general principle.’

Deputy Soulsby said that the new procedure would not place a block on recruitment.

‘We have a [financial] deficit situation and I think that as a result the Guernsey public will accept extra scrutiny on recruitment within the States. It is an added challenge, but I don’t think any committee should be scared of that.’

As the deputies’ exchange took place at the hearing yesterday morning, P&R issued a statement on the issue.

It said it may agree, refuse or propose a different grade for the post.

‘Given the tight financial constraints facing every area of operations there is an increased need for oversight of expenditure on employment, the single highest revenue cost outlay of the States,’ Deputy Mahoney said.

‘This will not be cumbersome, or slow the process down, but it is essential that there is robust political challenge when it comes to the most senior and therefore most expensive roles.’

P&R has taken up the issue as the committee with ‘employer’ responsibility within the States.

‘The electorate expects us to have a real handle on what appointments are being made, why and at what level. That’s especially true now as we’re seeing more clearly the extent to which our public finances are under immense pressure.’