London borough head to take over as Interim Gov CEO

Friday 29 January 2021

The Government's new Interim CEO has been confirmed as the former Chief Executive of the London Boroughs of Wandsworth and Richmond, who will not receive ‘quallies’ or a pension in return for taking on the 12-month role, Express understands.

Paul Martin will officially be joining the Government of Jersey on 1 March, following his arrival on the island and a negative Day 10 covid test, to allow for a handover period with Charlie Parker, who will officially be leaving on 31 March.

Mr Martin, who announced his intention to step down from his London role last year, brings with him nearly 40 years of civil service experience, starting as a librarian and progressing to CEO level where he has accumulated 22 years’ experience. 

He is the only Chief Executive to run two boroughs simultaneously, and has previously been the Regional Director for Office of the Deputy Prime Minister in the South East. 

Pictured: Mr Martin was one of 17 candidates to be considered for Jersey's top civil service role by the Jersey Appointments Commission.

Mr Martin was one of 17 applicants to come before the Jersey Appointments Commission, which oversees senior appointments, which included on-island individuals and one person from Guernsey.  

The three individuals to reach final interview were two off-island applicants and one who was currently in Jersey. 

The Chief Minister said he believed Mr Martin would provide an “experienced and steady hand on the tiller” as the search for a permanent CEO continues. 

“He will focus on the major projects, including the new Hospital project as well as those set out in the Government Plan and will keep close oversight on the vaccination programme that will secure our exit from the current restrictions,” Senator John Le Fondré added.

Pictured: The Hospital project, the vaccination programme and coping with the effects of Brexit are among the key projects Mr Martin will be expected to focus on.

While Mr Martin’s £250,000 pay packet will match that of his predecessor, Express understands that he will not receive a pension or ‘quallies’ and will only be entitled to rent property. He will be given a £500 taxable rent allowance by Government, however.

The Government is also expected to pay for his family’s relocation costs. Mr Martin will be accompanied in his move to Jersey by his wife, who works remotely as an urban planner for California, and their dog and cat.

“I am hugely looking forward to the opportunity to serve the Island's Government and residents in this unique role.  I am very aware that Jersey has a special heritage and character and am committed to taking on this 12-month role in a way that puts islanders at the centre of their Government’s ambitions,” he commented. 

“I will use my experience to serve Jersey’s Council of Ministers and elected States Members to the best of my abilities, supporting them to deliver their Government Plan while we bring the Island out of the Covid-19 pandemic and on a sustainable path to community and economic cohesion.  

"For the duration of the contract, I will immerse myself in the Island both professionally and personally. Although my contract is for a fixed period, my commitment to the role will be total and I am determined that the Government's priorities and plans will move forward at pace over the next 12 months.”

Pictured: Mr Martin said he wanted to "immerse" himself in island life "both professionally and personally."

Reflecting on the appointment process, JAC member Dame Janet Paraskeva said: “The role was advertised both on and off Island and we had a number of quality applications from Jersey based candidates.  The panel ultimately chose the candidate they felt had the best experience to support the Government of Jersey in this crucial period, including taking the island through Brexit and out of covid. 

“For the permanent position, we hope to attract a range of suitably qualified Jersey candidates as well as those from a UK and international search.”

The search for a permanent CEO will be starting soon. While recruiters will be expected to intensify their efforts for a local candidate, Express understands that candidates with experience of similar parliamentary systems, such as those from other Commonwealth nations, Canada or Australia, will also be targeted.

The Interim CEO role opened up after Mr Parker agreed to step down in the wake over a row about taking on a second job as a Non-Executive Director at UK real estate firm New River.

Pictured: Charlie Parker will officially leave Government on 31 March after a handover period.

Express understands that Mr Martin currently holds no directorships, and has no intention of taking on any second roles at this time.

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