The new head of Jersey’s Public Service has said there is a need to “redress and reset” the bureaucracy, and promised that any changes would involve a collaborative approach with staff.
Chief Executive, Suzanne Wylie took up her post earlier this month (February), following the departure of interim head, Paul Martin.
Setting out her management style, Mrs Wylie (pictured) appeared to signal a continuation of the more restrained approach to leadership that characterised Mr Martin’s tenure after Charlie Parker left the Service almost a year ago.
“I am very collaborative in my style and I think that is the right way to get things done,” Mrs Wylie said.
“That doesn’t mean to say that I don’t address difficult issues, I do and I’m a problem solver,” she said.
“I’ve got a track record of doing that but I’m determined to bring people with me.”
Mrs Wylie, the former Chief Executive of Belfast City Council in Northern Ireland, said one of her first tasks would be to listen to the views of staff across the island’s Public Service.
She recognised the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on staff, saying it had created “a little tiredness in the system”, and she welcomed the appearance of a new people strategy to support staff wellbeing.
“A lot of organisations, particularly in the public sector, need to redress and reset how we work,” the Chief Executive said.
“We need to be much more agile, we need to be much more flexible and support our staff and build their skills.”
Asked about disagreements between some previous Chief Executives and politicians, Mrs Wylie said her attention was firmly on her responsibilities.
“I have come into the job with my eyes open and, clearly, I am conscious of what has happened in the past.
“I’m here to do a good job and I will focus on doing the right thing and doing a good job for the people of Jersey,” she said.
St Helier, 8 February 2022
