Island’s local authority recruits for a range of leaders to fulfil transformation plan

Credit: Danrok/CC BY-SA 4.0  Original image has been cropped

The States of Jersey is looking for an array of new leaders to make good on its vision of “building a modern, agile, digital, customer-focused public service”.

The One Team Jersey initiative is a wide-reaching change programme which seeks to address the island’s “inefficient and outdated practices and infrastructure”, and then draw up and implement a “long-term strategic framework for Jersey”. The ultimate goal of which will be to develop a public service and local economy that are sustainable for the future.

As part of the reorganisation, the number of posts in the top two tiers of the organisation has been reduced from 66 to 40. The States began operating under its new structure on 18 June, with 21 of the 40 senior posts filled by existing public servants, and the remaining 19 left to be filled via external recruitment.

The States website currently lists 13 senior roles it is in the process of recruiting for, including a post as group director of digital and modernisation.

This job comes with a remit to “shape a vision for a modern, digital government involving local businesses and the island community”. 

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“We need innovative technologies and new ways of working to create better services, and you’ll be there to make sure everything is designed around our customers,” the job advert said. “In fact, you’ll direct the business-led and digital transformation of a wide range of shared public services, applying a ‘tell-us-once’ approach. The goal is quicker, simpler engagement through efficient systems, with improved self-service and better customer access.”

The successful candidate will report to the States’ chief operating officer – a job which is also currently being recruited for – and will be paid a “competitive” salary. Applications are open until 9 July, with initial interviews scheduled for the three-week period commencing on 30 July. Assessment and engagement exercises will take place on 19 September, followed by final panel interviews the following day.

Jersey is also looking for leaders in areas such as commercial services, justice and home affairs, strategy and innovation, corporate planning and performance, and public protection and law enforcement. The reform is being led by Charlie Parker, who joined as the States’ chief executive late last year.

“We’re transforming so we can deliver modern, quality, value-for-money public services for islanders, that are effective and responsive to the needs of our community and stakeholders, as well as establishing a right-first-time culture,” he said, in a welcome message on the One Team Jersey website. “We aim to support a more sustainable society, underpinned by a sustainable, internationally-competitive economy, and delivered by a strong partnership between a modern government, responsible business, and islanders.”

The largest of the Channel Islands, Jersey has a population of about 105,000 people. The island is not part of the UK but – alongside Guernsey and the Isle of Man – is one of three British crown dependencies, which are self-governing but remain possessions of the British crown.