Need for clearer link between Government spending and performance
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has published its report examining performance management in the Government of Jersey. The report focuses on whether the introduction of the former Chief Executive’s “OneGov” structure has improved performance within Government to deliver better services for the public.
Although progress has been made, particularly around financial management, the Committee has been unable to determine whether the changes have resulted in an overall improvement to performance. One of the Committee’s main concerns is that the Government did not develop a single costed plan or business case for the restructuring process made through the Target Operating Models. This programme was intended to create a modern, innovative, efficient and effective public sector, however, there is no formal evidence to demonstrate that this has been successful. Furthermore, in light of the significant increase in the Government’s workforce since 2018, particularly in senior positions, the Committee is of the view that one of the primary purposes of the OneGov changes – to create an efficient public sector – has failed.
There is no overall IT Strategy for the States of Jersey which shows how technology investment will support and impact services. The Committee has suggested that, in delivering the OneGov vision of a joined up modern and efficient public service for Islanders, there should be clear responsibility and reporting lines between Modernisation and Digital (M&D) and Departments including Non-Ministerial.
The Committee is of the view that there needs to be a clearer link in financial reporting between money spent on the Government and the performance of the public service. Whilst the majority of performance related changes have been implemented, the impact of these changes is yet to be determined.
Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, Deputy Inna Gardiner, said: “We welcome the Government’s commitment to undertake a review of the Target Operating Model (TOM) Programme, which is due to be completed before the end of June 2022. We hope that as the reforms continue to be embedded, the Government will take into account our recommendations to allow for a more effective, collaborative means of measuring performance within the organisation and as result the public will receive improved services.”
Scrutiny Press Release.