Call for Guernsey States to embrace good governance

The States of Guernsey has been asked to sign up to six principles of good governance after a review into its performance.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was tasked with the latest review in 2009 after a critical report on the island's government by the Wales Audit Office.

It found there were "fundamental problems" within the States, which it said "was not good value for money".

The committee said there had been "real progress" in improving governance.

PAC, which commissioned the Wales Audit Office review, has made the recommendation to sign up to the principles in "an attempt to continue the progress made".

It also suggested enhanced training for States Members, better public engagement and communication and an investigation into adopting "green" and "white" papers to aid decision-making on major projects.

The committee found the introduction of the States Strategic Plan was "an important step in the right direction" and the Financial Transformation Programme and mandatory financial and resource management rules "underpinned the very essence of good governance".

It did not make any specific recommendations to States departments, but said it hoped for "a more fundamental approach" in adopting the six principles.

Deputy Gallienne said: "There is still a long way to go, but governance issues are being tackled and full adoption of the proposals on the way forward arising from this report will enable better governance throughout the States of Guernsey.

"It should be realised that total perfection will never be achieved, but to improve further can only help the reputation of the States, both in our island and further afield."