Policy & Resources fully backed the chief executive’s decision to carry out the investigation, published yesterday, and has welcomed the report, which it described as a ‘candid and unflinching reflection of the serious issues’ unearthed in the MyGov programme.
‘This must be a turning point for the organisation – both in how major projects and programmes are delivered, and in how leadership and accountability are exercised,’ said Lindsay de Sausmarez yesterday.
‘Some changes have already been made, and further reforms are now underway. This report is unflinching in its assessment of the failures, and Boley deserves credit for setting that out so plainly. The focus must now be firmly on the future, through taking effective action and delivering meaningful change.
‘The actions Boley is now taking are designed to ensure that this appalling waste of taxpayers’ money is not repeated.
‘P&R has confidence in his ability to implement those changes, and we will support him by providing the necessary oversight, resource and pace.’
Deputy de Sausmarez said that the multiple failings unearthed in the report were ‘completely unacceptable’ and the scale of errors and wasted spend was ‘shocking’.
She was also concerned at the evidence of the way that people within the organisation who raised concerns about the progress of MyGov, or the lack of it, were treated.
‘Knowledgeable, conscientious staff who raised legitimate concerns and provided much‑needed challenge were not listened to, and in some cases were reprimanded. That culture has to change, and thankfully it already is, but morale is understandably low,’ she said.
‘While it is imperative that we shine a strong, steady and brutally honest light on what went wrong, it is also important to recognise the positive contribution that public servants working competently and diligently make to the community every day.’
The MyGov project was closed down by P&R and Mr Smillie’s predecessor as chief executive in August 2023.
Mr Smillie went on to cancel the contract with Agilisys in 2025.
In his report he said that decisions that were taken had implications for political oversight.
He said that deputies needed clear and complete information to make informed decisions, and the standard required was frequently not met during considerations of the MyGov project.
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