Recruitment underway for chief officer for Economic Development
- Recruitment underway for chief officer for Economic Development as part of civil service restructure
- New role will provide clear accountability for delivering committee priorities
- Position to be filled within existing civil service headcount through organisational changes
- Chief officer roles being aligned to principal committees across government
- Economic Development described as one of the most important leadership roles in public service
Recruitment is currently underway for a chief officer for Economic Development as part of plans to reshape the senior leadership structure of the civil service.
Boley Smillie, chief executive and head of the public service, previously announced his intention to introduce chief officer roles aligned to principal committees, providing one clear accountable officer to support committees.
The introduction of chief officer roles will be achieved within the civil service's existing overall headcount.
Mr Smillie said: "A strong economy underpins so much of what we want to achieve as an island, making this one of the most important leadership roles in the public service.
"Dedicated leadership for economic development will provide clear accountability for delivering the committee's priorities and help ensure that economic policy is translated into tangible results."
He added: "This appointment is also an important part of the wider changes I am making to strengthen leadership and accountability across the civil service. Principal committees need senior officers who are clearly accountable for delivery, and those officers in turn need to be accountable to me for their performance. That clarity of responsibility is fundamental to a well-run public service."
Deputy Kazantseva-Miller, president of Economic Development, said: "We have set a clear direction through an ambitious committee work plan, focused on the areas where we believe we can make the greatest difference to Guernsey's economy.
"Following a busy start to this political term, our focus now is on maintaining momentum and translating those priorities into sustained delivery."
She added: "I have been a strong advocate for the re-introduction of the chief officer role and I am very pleased that economic development is one of the first committees to recruit permanently to this position.
"Bringing together our strategic and operational priorities, with clearer lines of accountability and ownership, will be crucial to delivering our ambitious plans. It will also strengthen our ability to work across government on the wider policy levers that shape Guernsey's economic performance and long-term competitiveness."
Q&A
Q: What is the purpose of the new chief officer role?
A: The chief officer for economic development will be accountable for leading the delivery of the committee for economic development's priorities and ensuring clear senior officer ownership of its programme of work.
Q: Will this position increase civil service headcount?
A: No, the introduction of chief officer roles will be achieved within the civil service's existing overall headcount as part of wider organisational changes rather than workforce expansion.
Q: Why are chief officer roles being introduced?
A: The roles are being aligned to principal committees to provide one clear accountable officer to support each committee, strengthening leadership and accountability across the civil service.
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