This Is Guernsey

By Tom Edwards

THE fact that she will sign the island’s banknotes changed Bethan Haines’ mother’s view of her new job. It will be one of her duties as Treasury and Resources’ first chief accountant.

And it was that which won over her mother, who had been uneasy about coming to visit her when she heard about the job.

‘When I told my mother that I would be signing all the banknotes she soon changed her tune.

‘That definitely swung it for her. It’s something that has amazed everybody.

‘I’ve even carried a Guernsey pound note in my handbag

since I first came here for an interview.’

Mrs Haines took hold of the department’s purse strings this week.

Another of her roles is leading a fundamental review of government expenditure.

She will also be responsible for putting together the annual budget and making sure the States is making effective use of resources.

‘I will be taking the opportunity to look at whether the government is spending money in the best possible way,’ she said.

‘The first step is to employ an outside consultant and we will be looking for someone with a track record and the independence to deliver what we need.’

Mrs Haines moved to the island from Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

She had spent nearly 10 years in operations, managing a £250m. budget, and was previously deputy director of finance.

She was also involved with the £500,000 fund-raising campaign for a Guernsey floor in the hospital’s patient hotel.

The ever-evolving, target-driven NHS environment has stood her in good stead for her new role, she said.

‘I’ve come from a place where you must get the most out of what money you have available and so I’ve developed the right skills for this job.

‘It’s definitely a time of change and challenge for the island and for me it’s an exciting and unprecedented opportunity to become involved.’

Mrs Haines has moved from Bangor in north Wales with her partner and three young children.

She said developing and working with the zero-10 tax strategy would be a challenging and interesting opportunity that she was looking forward to.

Guernsey also ticked all the boxes when it came to quality of life for her family and she was looking forward to getting stuck into local life.

‘I think being an outsider means I have to get out there among it all and really find my way around,’ she said.

‘The advantage is that I can bring a fresh pair of eyes to a local situation.

‘Because I’m not used to how things are done in Guernsey, I can ask questions and bring a different perspective.

‘In the current climate, things can’t continue as they have done in the past. That doesn’t mean we will have to cut back on services, but just get the best value on spending.’

Since her arrival, Mrs Haines has been meeting ministers and getting a feel for how the island operates.