Comment: Politicians must have the courage to let new States top dog deliver

Monday 26 February 2018

When the new States CEO formally introduced himself in his first major public speech, he was aware of the impact he and his four UK consultants – “Charlie’s Angels” or the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” depending on your view – had created.

After years of spending reviews - "fundamental", "comprehensive" or otherwise - there is a degree of cynicism as to whether this latest attempt to properly reform the States will work.

Here, Express columnist Andy Jehan, gives his take on the new government top dog, Charlie Parker, and urges islanders to give him the chance to deliver...

“The new States of Jersey CEO outlined some of his plans at this week's Chamber of Commerce lunch. Having been in the post for just seven weeks, he arrives with an impressive CV and, more importantly, a record of delivering change and successfully improving public services. He has had his team on the ground, beginning their work before his arrival. This work is near completion and he explained that they will be leaving shortly having completed their work.  

“Much has been written about the cost of the team but it sounds like it has been a good investment. What the island doesn't have is time, be that in improving vital services and or in making savings. Mr Parker pulled no punches on both topics.

Pictured: Mr Parker's first ever Chamber of Commerce speech was well-attended.

“We could fall into the trap of looking back at what's happened and who is accountable for the lack of progress. I would prefer to look forward, congratulating the Chief Minister on what appears to be a good appointment. We don't know if he will be a success, but to hear him talk of the introduction of benchmarking, including having his own performance reviewed and being open to scrutiny is nothing more than we as tax-paying Islanders deserve. The old adage what gets measured gets done is true and what Mr Parker described was a distinct lack of measurement across the organisation. 

“Most of what Mr Parker had to say wasn't revolutionary, it was sound business practice. Focusing on the customers, developing the people (despite all the issues identified there are some excellent people in public service, often let down by the system), and removing duplication. 

“What Mr Parker is going to have to deliver is a far more efficient service, he explained that he is already hunting savings and what is clear is that there is still a lot of low-hanging fruit. This is disappointing as in the rest of industry, businesses have had to make tough decisions to survive through hard economic times, rather than passing on the cost to the consumer.

Lucky to have been in the 280 strong audience @jerseychamber Lunch to hear first hand from #CharlieParker new States CEO. Very encouraged to hear his vision a true #Leader what we need now is for @StatesAssembly to back him!

— Andy Jehan (@AndyJehan) February 21, 2018

“People and Businesses understand that ultimately they may have to contribute more to provide essential services - what is unacceptable is for further charges to be introduced when a lot of duplication remains.

“Having described his initial work as 'fact-finding', it was clear that there is still a level of understanding required. Yes, the business community needs to contribute, but the real value of some industries also needs to be understood. It appears that Mr Parker is willing to listen and I am sure that there are lots of people who will want to get their points across. 

“Jersey is not a local council; it has to deal with many issues, and possibly the biggest challenge on its way is Brexit. Working in partnership with all areas of the community will help in facing these challenges head-on. 

Pictured: Andy Jehan would like to see both politicians and the wider island community extend their support to Mr Parker.

“We as a community need to get behind Mr Parker and his team but above all the next government, whoever that is, as the next Council of Ministers are going to require support as well as courage to deliver the change that is needed. The politicians need to set the policy and have the courage to allow Mr Parker and his team to deliver.”

The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and not those of the Bailiwick Express.