Boley Smillie, who took on the top job earlier this year, was responding to this week’s publication of the 2026 Budget, where public spending is outstripping income day-to-day.
Mr Smillie has committed to lead a savings push.
It is hoped that £4m. can be saved next year, with areas having already been identified.
In an update shared with the thousands of States employees, which has been leaked to the Guernsey Press, Mr Smillie said it was important to embrace the savings target.
‘We all know there are tough choices ahead, and everyone has an important part to play,’ he said.
‘I know some past savings efforts have felt like short-term fixes that made your jobs harder. This time, we must become more efficient while strengthening trust and confidence in the community we serve.’
He said the savings would be made in two phases, the £4m. forming the first part.
‘Most of the savings will come from reducing consultancy spend,’ he said.
‘I don’t want to suggest this change will be easy but having reviewed the spending in this area, I believe that too often we bring in consultants to tell us things we already know.
‘It’s an opportunity to save money, but also to back our own people and make better use of the knowledge we already have.’
The comment comes as a Rule 14 question from Deputy David Goy revealed that the States has spent £63m. on consultants since 2020.
The second phase will see the States working differently, he said.
‘We need to get to a point where more of you are supported to find better, smarter ways of working,’ Mr Smillie said.
‘Since joining the organisation earlier this year, I have heard so many ideas from people across the public service about how things could be done differently.
‘For various reasons, those ideas often aren’t progressed, and most of the time that seems to be because we do not have the right systems or equipment, or because there are no established ways to feed ideas back and see them through.
‘The old top-down approach to reform no longer works, and lasting improvement will not come that way.’
He said that over the next year there would be a focus on new ideas, while supporting existing staff during the changes.
‘We will need to keep finding savings in future years, but we should also make sure some of the benefits of working smarter can be reinvested in new initiatives and in the development of our own staff,’ he said.
‘Our focus must be on delivering essential services efficiently and effectively, making sure every pound we spend delivers real value for our community.’
He has asked public servants for feedback on the ideas being put forward or if they have any of their own.
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