Chief Executive Designate in Health and Social Services Authority
John Hunter
Permanent Secretary
DFP
Rathgael House
BANGOR
Co. Down 14 April 2006
Dear John,
MATTERS ARISING FROM THE THIRD MEETING OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION – FILLING THE POST OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE DESIGNATE IN THE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES AUTHORITY
You are aware that the Public Service Commission was due to consider a revised paper from DHSS&PS on this post at its meeting on 12 April and that Andrew McCormick, accompanied by David Bingham, attended the meeting to present the paper, formally, to the Commission.
In keeping with the interim arrangements whereby your Department is acting as the gateway to government, I am writing to convey the Commission’s position.
Having regard to the revised paper and the related presentation, and being especially mindful of its remit and role “ …… to safeguard the interests of staff and to ensure their smooth transfer to new organisations ……”, and in light of all the evidence presented to it by the Department, the Commission concluded that, in all the circumstances, on a ‘without prejudice’ basis, and taking into account that this particular post could be considered in material respects to be a new one, it is not necessary to have a more limited competition on this occasion.
Perhaps it is worth placing on record the fact that, if the information presented to it on Wednesday past had been available at its meeting on 29 March, it is likely that the Commission would have reached a similar conclusion and that no unfortunate delay would have been occasioned.
You will be aware that the Commission also considered the issues presented to it by DHSS&PS in relation to filling the Chief Executive posts in the 5 HPSS Trusts. I will write to you under separate cover about the Commission’s position in relation to that matter.
I have copied this letter to Andrew McCormick.
Yours sincerely
STEPHEN J GRAHAM
Chief Executive
Public Service Commission
8th Floor
Goodwood House
44-58 May Street
BELFAST
028 9025 6023