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More than 30 government employees are merging into a single team ahead of a planned shake-up to create a new 'Economy' department, it has been announced.
CEO Charlie Parker's 'OneGov' restructuring, which began in 2018, led to the creation of two key teams dealing with elements of the economy.
Economic Development, which dealt with local businesses, tourism strategy and sports among other areas of the economy, was placed within the newly-created 'Growth, Housing and Environment' (GHE) department.
Pictured: Senator Farnham's department was absorbed by a "super-department"after Charlie Parker's government overhaul 'OneGov'.
The other, whose responsibilities centred around external relations and the island's financial and digital industries, was absorbed into the Office of the Chief Executive.
Now that Brexit has concluded, the government now says it wants to merge the two work groups together - comprising a total of 33 employees - ahead of a formal consultation about forming a new 'Economy' department and the appointment of a Director General to lead it.
In an announcement today, government officials explained that the merged 'Economy' team will be led by Group Director Richard Corrigan.
Economy and Partnerships (including Locate Jersey, which operates the island's high-value residency scheme), which is led by Group Director Dan Houseago will move out of GHE and into Mr Corrigan's team. The sports team will remain within GHE, however.
The move follows calls from Senator Lyndon Farnham, Minister for Economic Development and Deputy Chief Minister, who was critical of the decision to absorb his portfolio - Economic Development - into the 'super-department' of GHE.
Today, he welcomed news of the change, and thanked Ministers and officers for their work on preparing for Brexit.
"Our task in 2020 and beyond is to ensure that the whole economy is supported to take advantage of any benefits arising from Brexit and to withstand any negative impacts, so now is the time to bring all elements of the economy together in a new department. This will come together with an integrated Future Economy programme, arising from the Economic Framework that we have commissioned," the Minister commented.
Explaining the restructure further, Chief Executive Charlie Parker added: “In 2018 the most urgent risks to our economy were Brexit and international financial regulation, which is why I brought the teams working on these issues under my office. But no organisational structure should remain static, as it needs the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and needs.
“With the UK’s position on Brexit now clear and having successfully addressed some big EU regulatory issues, bringing the economy teams together now is the right decision to help Jersey to meet the challenges of delivering a sustainable and vibrant economy outside the EU. A new, integrated department will help drive the economic opportunities that will support Jersey’s long-term future.”
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