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Outgoing CEO will not receive residential qualifications

Outgoing CEO will not receive residential qualifications

Tuesday 10 November 2020

Outgoing CEO will not receive residential qualifications

Tuesday 10 November 2020


The Chief Executive will not receive residential qualifications, it has been confirmed following the shock announcement last night that he had agreed to step down.

The Chief Minister confirmed this morning: "The Chief Executive is receiving his contractual entitlement and no more."

He added that "there is no additional pay-out and no 'extras'" and confirmed that Mr Parker has "not got his qualifications for residency."

When he took on the role of Government CEO in 2017, Mr Parker was controversially awarded residential qualifications on the condition that he complete "five years of satisfactory performance in that role."

"We have honoured his contract and further speculation at this time will make it more difficult to tie up the final arrangements," Senator Le Fondré added.

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Pictured: Mr Parker was controversially given a 'quallies' perk when he signed his contract in 2017.

The Chief Minister's comments came as he defended himself against a vote of no confidence, which was triggered by his verbal agreement to Mr Parker that he could take on a second role as a Non-Executive Director at UK real estate firm New River.

Under the terms of his contract, however, Mr Parker should have obtained written permission for the role from the States Employment Board (SEB).

The second job with New River was later retrospectively approved by the SEB - but was also ruled as being “not compatible” with his role as head of the island’s civil service by the Council of Ministers. Both bodies are led by the Chief Minister.

That led to a power struggle at the top of the island's government, and a series of meetings last week between Mr Parker and the SEB, and separately between Mr Parker and the Council of Ministers before the announcement that he would be standing down from the position of Jersey's top civil servant yesterday.

In a letter to the Chief Minister made public last night, Mr Parker wrote: “It is with great sadness that I am writing to confirm that following our discussions I have agreed to step down as Chief Executive and Head of the Public Service for the Government of Jersey.

“This is a job I love, in a beautiful place that I am privileged to call home and I do not wish to leave.

“The events of the last two weeks have been extremely difficult for all parties, but in particular for my family. I have tried to find a way through this impasse without seriously tarnishing my professional reputation and undermining my authority as Chief Executive, but unfortunately my efforts have been to no avail."

Parker Letter

CLICK TO READ IN FULL: Mr Parker's letter announcing that he has agreed to step down.

In his letter, Mr Parker also addressed today's 'vote of no confidence' against Senator Le Fondré.

He wrote: “I am truly appalled that what should be an uncontroversial individual employment matter has been used as a catalyst to challenge your position - especially at a time when we should be focused on our winter planning for covid-19, the economic recovery and the delivery of the Government Plan.

“I believe that neither of us have deserved the treatment that we have received by those who seek to oppose and undermine the agenda for change that you have championed.”

He ends: “While I am a public figure, many in a similar position have shared with me how their public life affects their families and loved ones. Public servants - both elected and employed - should not be fair game for some of the recent attacks by those who should know better. 

“They put themselves forward, sometimes with little thanks or praise, but with a deep sense of commitment and self-sacrifice. Jersey would do well to remember that.

“It is important that any disruption as a result of my departure is kept to an absolute minimum which is why I have offered to continue in post for as long as the Government requests me to, in order to ensure an orderly transition.” 

Chief Minister Senator John Le Fondré praised the outgoing Chief Executive in a statement released last night.

He said: “Whilst the Government has set out the draft Government Plan, setting a more certain future for the Island over some challenging years to come, we have found ourselves significantly distracted by an overt attempt to derail the progress that this Government has made over the past two years and a challenge to our plan for the future.

“The progress we have made, and the plans set out ahead, have been steered by Charlie as Chief Executive and I would like to pay tribute to his determination on behalf of the Government. However, his position has become a distraction from the Government agenda, and he has agreed to stand aside."

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Pictured: The Chief Minister praised Mr Parker for his work, but said his second role had become a "distraction from the Government agenda."

He continues: “He and the public service are great assets to any Chief Minister and Council of Ministers. Charlie has shown great personal resilience and fortitude to deliver on many of the priorities we agreed as a Government and set out in our plans. He leads a committed public service who deliver day-in and day-out for this Island and for which we should be grateful. 

“To me, his commitment to the Island and Government has never been in doubt. He has been available to Ministerial colleagues at all hours, every day.  His leadership and skills in handling the response to the covid-19 pandemic has exemplified his capability, capacity and tenacious ability to get things done in the most challenging of environments.

“Tomorrow, I will set out why my leadership and this Government needs to continue to deliver our ambitious agenda. We are getting things done where many others have not made progress before.  We will continue to do so and rise above the politics that are engulfing and consuming others.”

The vote of no confidence debate continues this morning and can be watched live HERE.

Follow Express for updates...

READ MORE...

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FOCUS: No confidence vote balanced on a knife-edge

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