THE top civil service posts in Economic Development and Social Care will not be advertised at this time, MHKs were told.
Chairman of the Civil Service Commission Alfred Cannan was quizzed in the House of Keys over the four-month secondment to Sark, and subsequent 12-month secondment to the Chief Secretary’s Office, of Colin Kniveton, the chief executive of the Department of Economic Development.
Mr Kniveton’s secondments have meant that the Chris Corlett, chief executive in Social Care, was appointed to DED in his stead, while Yvette Mellor has taken over Mr Corlett’s role in his absence.
MHKs heard the current pay scale for the chief executive of DED ranged from £94,873 to £118,493. The pay scale for the chief executive in Social Care ranged from £76,068 to £94,986.
Mr Cannan said it had been intended that after Mr Kniveton’s return from Sark, Mr Corlett would revert to his post in Social Care, but given that Mr Kniveton is not now returning immediately to DED, it has been agreed to avoid further disruption Mr Corlett should remain in DED for 12 months. He said the posts of chief executive in DED and Social Care would therefore not be advertised.
David Quirk (Onchan) suggested the island now had an ‘additional chief executive that floats around in the abyss,’ adding: ‘What messages does this give out?’
Mr Cannan replied: ‘I don’t agree Mr Kniveton is floating around in the abyss. He has been given a specific role.’
Mr Kniveton has been seconded to support a comprehensive review of government services.
