States chief executive removed from his role
TOP States civil servant Paul Whitfield was removed from his post yesterday by the Policy & Resources Committee as it sought a change at senior level in government.
Mr Whitfield had been in post for eight years. He was leading a programme of public sector reform, which had promised some 200 job losses, but it is understood that frustration about the speed of delivery of that change was a major factor in his departure. A 10-year public service reform strategy was approved by the States six years ago.
Policy & Resources Committee president Deputy Peter Ferbrache said yesterday evening, in a statement: ‘The committee recognised the need for a change in senior leadership and have taken action to bring this about.’
Mr Whitfield will be replaced in the short-term by long-serving civil servant Mark de Garis, who currently holds the role of strategic lead for people policy.
‘The role of chief executive is undoubtedly a very challenging and demanding leadership position, one which Paul has discharged with integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality,’ said Deputy Ferbrache.
‘We take this opportunity to wish Paul all the best for the future as he pursues other interests. There continue to be many political and operational challenges ahead, and in order to ensure continuity of leadership while we seek Paul’s replacement, we are grateful that Mark de Garis has agreed to step-up into the position of interim chief executive.’
Mr Whitfield, who has had a 40-year career in the public sector in Guernsey and the UK, had just returned to the office from holiday.
‘I have just returned from annual leave, which gave me some much-needed breathing space, and a chance to relax with my family. It has been such a busy time for all of us, including myself, and as things begin to settle, time for reflection is once again afforded to us all. In moving on, it provides opportunity to focus on some new and different challenges.
‘It has been an amazing eight years, on top of a 40-year career in multiple public service roles. My role as CEO was a job undeniably unpredictable, and challenging but hugely rewarding. I can look back on many highlights during my career within the public sector, but most of all reflect on the outstanding quality and dedication of the public sector, for which this community should be justifiably proud of.’
Mr Whitfield was an awarded the OBE less than a year ago for his work leading the public sector response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He left Guernsey to join the forces before embarking on a career in the UK prison service, where he trained as a riot commander.
He came back to Guernsey for a senior role in the prison, moved on to become chief officer of the Home Department, and succeeded Mike Brown as chief executive in 2013.
