Minutes Deputy Governor and Chief Officers’ Meeting 22nd October 2012
Attendees:-Acting Deputy Governor – Dr. Dax Basdeo; Mr. Carrol Cooper; Ms. Debbie Ann Whittaker; Mr. Eric Bush; Mr. Michael Nixon; Mrs. Mary Rodrigues; Mr. Dalton Watler; Mrs. Gloria McField-Nixon; Mrs. Leyda Nicholson-Makasare; Mr. Kenneth Jefferson; Mr. Samuel Rose; Mr. Trevor Ward Apologies: - Mrs. Sonia McLaughlin; Mr. Leonard Dilbert; Ms. Cheryl Richards; Mr. Alan Jones; Mr. Kevin McCormac; Mr. Stran Bodden; Ms. Jacqueline Wilson; Mr. Orrett Connor; Ms. Jennifer Ahearn; Ms. Dorine Whittaker 1. Welcome The Acting Deputy Governor welcomed everyone and prayer was offered. 2. Presentation by visiting Procurement Experts from the States of Jersey – Caroline Hastings and Roy Towler Ms. Hastings and Mr. Towler, gave a brief presentation outlining what they hope to accomplish during their visit and a brief review of the procurment process used by the Government of the States of Jersey.
The Acting Deputy Governor thanked Ms. Hastings and Mr. Towler for their presentation, their visit and for sharing their expertise with our Government.
3. Formal Approval of Minutes The October 8 meeting minutes were approved by all attendees for circulation. 4. Matters Arising from Minutes The deadline for Performance Agreements to be completed is this Friday, 26 October. It has been confirmed that Flu Shots will be available in the GAB, for Civil Servants. Further details will be provided. 5. Update on Heads of Public Service Conference A delegation of Chief Officers led by the Deputy Governor visited London the week of October 15th for discussions with the UK Cabinet Office and attendance at the Heads of Public Services in Overseas Territories Conference hosted by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
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Along with the scheduled conference events, and meetings with the UK Cabinet Office, the five member delegation also attended various meetings with a variety of UK departments and agenceis to discuss best practice, policy intitiatives, and the impact of the UK’s reform initiatives.
Three of the key concepts covered by the UK Cabinet Office in discussing the reform process were: o Transparency o Process of Rationalisation of the number of arms-length agencies o Competition – introducing a greater degree of competition between agencies for funding based on results delivery
It was noted that IT infrastructure and the premise of “digital by default” provided a strong basis for improved efficiency and cost reduction.
Although the size of our service differs from that of the UK, the discussions were very useful and very relevant. The challenge now is to take what has been learned and use it to assist with advancing Phase 4 of the Public Service Review.
The CO’s meetings with agencies related to their respective Ministries/Portfolios not only provided an opportunity to hear alternative views on the reform process, it opened a greater scope for interaction with agencies in the UK.
Delegates were able to meet with representatives of Civil Service Learning, and now have access to the portal. Further details in regards to this will be released at a later date.
6. Review on Payment of Shipping of Personal Effects and Excess Baggage Policy A copy of the policy drafted by the Ministry of ET&E was circulated. It was agreed that it would be useful to develop a central policy. There were a few areas that require changes and further research. CO Rodrigues and CO McField-Nixon will meet to discuss further. 7. Executive Selection Committee – Deputy Governor’s Awards The Employee of the Month was selected. 8. Any Other Business Government Finance Professional week will be held from 26-30 November. Further information will be circulated. The Budget Delivery Committee will be meeting on 25 October. Treasury will meet the 31 October deadline for submission of Consolidated Accounts. The first slate of amendments to the PSML will be moving forward. The meeting adjourned at 4:30pm.
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