Non-Ministerial Departments

Background

Jersey has a range of individual bodies described as Non-Ministerial Departments. They vary in size, have diverse roles and operate under different legislation. The common feature is that they are accountable directly to the States Assembly (through the Public Accounts Committee).

Scope

This review evaluates:

• the arrangements for governance and accountability of Non-Ministerial Departments, including differences in arrangements between Non-Ministerial Departments; and
• the effectiveness of support services to Non-Ministerial Departments and the scope for improvement, including through collaboration.

The review extends to all Non-Ministerial States funded bodies as defined in legislation other than the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Conclusions

Non-Ministerial Departments have distinct and important roles. They have, however, a shared and important constitutional independence from Government. But that constitutional independence does not:

• relieve them of a duty to demonstrate the highest standards of governance and accountability for the use of public funds; or
• mean that there cannot be a constructive and positive relationship with the Government of Jersey, recognising their constitutional position but facilitating the provision of customer focussed support services.

There is a need to:

• strengthen the operation of the relationship between the Treasurer of the States and Non-Ministerial Departments
• clarify, formalise and strengthen the relationship between the Government of Jersey and Non-Ministerial Departments
• address identified weaknesses in governance, working collaboratively; and
• facilitate a genuine business partnering approach between the Government of Jersey and Non-Ministerial Departments.