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A wide-ranging review of independent bodies which operate at ‘arm’s length’ of government will be carried out this year to ensure governance arrangements and structures are fit for purpose.
The Policy & Resources Committee commissioned the review, which will include tribunals, commissions and boards, statutory officials and their offices, and not-for-profit bodies sponsored and/or administered by the States of Guernsey through its committees and the civil service.
The review is limited to the bodies that the States itself has created by resolution or committee decision under delegated authority, and not those which carry out functions from States grant funding.
Recommendations about the future governance and structure of the arm’s length bodies reviewed, including the best model for their effective oversight and delivery of their independent functions in the future, are expected by the end of this year.
The Policy & Resources Committee will then prepare a policy letter for consideration by the States of Deliberation in 2019.
The review panel will be chaired by former Chief Minister Peter Harwood, with Advocate Peter Atkinson, Robert Jones and Hayley Cooper joining as panel members.
Deputy Gavin St Pier, President of the Policy & Resources Committee, said: "The Policy & Resources Committee is delighted to have secured the services of a panel of members with the necessary expertise, commitment and passion to undertake this important piece of work; most notably and laudably, on a voluntary basis.
"Arm’s length bodies need to operate independently, having been given the autonomy and trust by their sponsoring committees to deliver services effectively, efficiently, objectively and transparently. However, these government-funded functions need be carried out in a manner that aligns with relevant States strategies, policies and principles. This review will provide us with an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to operating within the highest degree of governance in our relationships with these bodies and also make improvements where necessary. We also look forward to the Panel’s views on how our arm’s length bodies may be able to work more closely with Jersey’s ALBs to maximise value for money for both islands’ communities."
Pictured: Deputy Gavin St Pier
Panel Chairman Peter Harwood said: "It’s a pleasure to be involved in this key work stream over this year. Assurance and challenge by way of a governance review will aim to ensure that Guernsey’s overall framework for its arm’s length bodies is fit for purpose and provides a set of common standards for sponsoring committees and bodies to operate within. It should also facilitate a stronger and more successful partnership between sponsoring Committees and ALBs.
"In the absence of a definition in Guernsey/the Bailiwick of the types of bodies which should be classified as arm’s length bodies, the Panel’s first challenge will be to determine which bodies it believes should form part of the review.
"Following this initial work, it will be important for relevant stakeholders to contribute. These views will be sought and be a key influencer of the outcome of the review."
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