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The civil servant that has sat at the heart of the island’s economic response to covid is leaving Jersey’s Government after just under three years of service.
Nick Vaughan moved to Jersey to become Chief Economic Advisor in November 2018, having previously held the role of Chief Economist at the UK’s Office for National Statistics, following 15 years at HM Treasury.
Little more than a year into the role, not only did he find himself dealing with plummeting productivity, banking sector challenges and looming budget black holes, but reviving a pandemic-ravaged economy with a number of stimulus measures.
Among them was the decision to gift every man, woman and child a £100 ‘Spend Local’ voucher and cutting employee Social Security contributions for nine months, providing a rise in take-home pay for islanders.
Pictured: Mr Vaughan was one of the architects of the £100 Spend Local scheme.
Contacted by Express, the Government confirmed Mr Vaughan’s departure and that an “executive search” to fill his post had commenced.
Paying tribute to his service, a spokesperson added: “Whilst working with the Government of Jersey, Nick has been a source of good counsel to Ministers and fellow officers, and has occupied the role during the particularly difficult period of the covid-19 pandemic.
“We don’t underestimate the challenge of replacing his experience, intellect and good humour. We are very appreciative of his contribution and wish him well for the future.”
The search for Mr Vaughan’s successor, who will sit at Director-level in the newly-created ‘Economy Department’, is being led by UK-based public sector recruitment specialists, the McLean Partnership.
A job post describes the role as “like no other”, adding: “The appointed individual will lead the development of economic policy across the Island - rated as one of the most stable and successful international finance centres in the world.
“You’ll provide objective and high quality, independent economic advice for the Council of Ministers, Senior Government Officers, States Members and the wider community on all aspects of macro and microeconomic policy and with regard to the specific nature and characteristics of the Island's economy and the long-term objectives of the island.”
Pictured: UK-based public sector recruitment specialists are leading the recruitment exercise for Mr Vaughan's successor.
The role's salary was not disclosed in the job posting, but simply described as “competitive”.
The Government said the recruitment will be overseen by the Jersey Appointments Commission, adding: “…We hope to see interest from a diverse mix of candidates for this important leadership and advisory role.“
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