A WATERED-DOWN review into the management of Education has been announced by the Policy Council. Around a year ago it took charge of commissioning it with the threat of a requete led by Jean Pritchard looming.
At the time ministers agreed to the terms outlined by the requete - a full external assessment of the management of education and in particular the role of the director.
But instead it has now announced the review will examine whether the current management structure and distribution of workloads within the senior management team is the best arrangement for the future.
Deputy Pritchard said she would meet Deputy Chief Minister Stuart Falla in a bid to resolve perceived shortcomings.
‘I’m concerned about the expectations that have been raised with so many people,’ said Deputy Pritchard.
‘If it takes a different route then of course people will think it’s a whitewash. If the concerns are not addressed then obviously that will be a problem. However, we need to clear the air.’
The requete has been lodged for debate and was based on a judgement by Lt-Bailiff Richard Southwell.
Deputy Falla believed the review would perform the task that is required.
‘The Policy Council hopes that this forward-looking review will go a long way towards addressing the concerns expressed by the signatories of that requete,’ he said.
The council is split on the issue, with three dissenting from the route it has taken.
One of those is Peter Roffey.
‘I’m somewhat disappointed. We made promises to States members we were going to do something. If we haven’t broken that promise, we’ve at best watered down what we promised,’ he said.
There were concerns in the council that the terms of reference should not be seen as implied criticism of any individuals.
Deputy Roffey agreed with that.
‘Nobody denies there have been difficulties and we wanted to get to the root of what’s been causing that. I hope what’s been set up will do that, but I’m not convinced it will.’
The review should be complete by the autumn.
In announcing the Education review the council said also that another would take place into the role of the States as an employer.
It will explore the strengths and weaknesses of the current arrangements that govern the relationship between the States and civil servants.
‘Since the former Civil Service Board ceased to exist, it is fair to say that there has been no clear focus for the role of the States as an employer and indeed no ﾓchampionﾔ of States employees,’ said Deputy Falla.
‘We have also recognised for some time that the States employees can find themselves at a disadvantage if they become the subject of the personal opinions of individual politicians.’
Article posted on 8th August, 2007 - 12.00am
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