JERSEY’S public services need to become ‘less bureaucratic’ and ‘more outward-facing’ while achieving value for money for Islanders, according to the government’s chief executive.
In the latest Leadership Jersey supplement, printed in today’s JEP, Suzanne Wylie said that her role was to ensure ministerial plans were enacted and that government departments worked ‘tirelessly to make sure that money is not wasted’.
She said: ‘The government has now launched its Government Plan, the Common Strategic Policy and the individual ministerial plans for each department.
‘My job is to ensure that the public service is set up to deliver the desired outcomes, and that requires effective resource planning, leadership, an effective performance management system and a positive culture where public servants can give their best.’
Ms Wylie, who took up her role in February, revealed that a ‘delivery unit’ had been set up within her department to tackle the ‘staff shortages and recruitment issues, digitise how government works and roll out a government-wide core improvement programme to create a public service which is more responsive, flexible, collaborative and capable of meeting these high expectations’.
‘I want to lead the public service in becoming more innovative, less bureaucratic, more outward-facing and willing and able to work in partnership.
‘Importantly, the public service should also be one which can take measured risks and will not settle for second best as it strives to provide great services for Jersey which do not cost the earth. This is a realistic goal for Jersey’s public service,’ she added.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Kristina Moore said she hoped to spend time speaking to Islanders, charities and businesses in order to meet their needs. ‘It was clear at the election that government must rebuild trust with the community we represent and serve.
‘As Chief Minister, I will continue to be open, transparent and communicate regularly and clearly with Islanders. It is important for leaders to listen, and I hope to spend as much time in the community as possible,’ she said.
