Bethan Haines, chief resources officer, moved to the island to join the States as States Treasurer in 2008.
She said that the role had been ‘an immense privilege and a fantastic challenge’.
‘After over 18 years working in the States of Guernsey, I have decided to step away from the organisation.
‘Over those nearly two decades I have worked with some fantastic people, officers and deputies alike. However, given the future restructuring, and following a number of conversations with the chief executive in that context, I think this is the right time for me to consider a new challenge,’ she said in an email to senior colleagues.
‘I have always tried to balance the management of public finances and the need for investment in public services which has sometimes created tension and involved difficult conversations with colleagues, but I want to thank you all for your support over the years.’
She said that highlights of her career included being involved in the response to Covid, the issue of the first States of Guernsey public bond, development and implementation of fiscal reforms, supporting the management of the States investment portfolio, modernising the States Accounts, the introduction of medium term financial planning and prioritisation, and working with the voluntary sector as a board member of the Social Investment Fund.
Ms Haines will be working out her notice period. Her departure follows that announced earlier this month of chief operating officer Jason Moriarty, who also decided to leave the civil service with the imminent leadership changes planned by chief executive Boley Smillie in the wake of the MyGov disaster, where £21m. was wasted on IT projects for no public gain.
Mr Smillie thanked Ms Haines for her service and for the support offered to him in the past 18 months.
‘During her time with the States, she has held a number of significant responsibilities, including overseeing the island’s public finances through a period of considerable challenge and change,’ he said.
‘In particular, Bethan has played a key role in recent years in supporting the States to clearly articulate the significant financial challenges facing the island, while providing successive committees with analysis to underpin long-term fiscal sustainability. Her commitment throughout this period has been highly valued by colleagues across the organisation.’
Senior leadership changes are expected within the States over the next few months following Mr Smillie’s review of the MyGov programme, including the appointment of new chief officers for States committees, with several senior people likely to be redeployed into those roles.