HSC chief officer not hired despite £1.1m budget

Guernsey's States has not hired a new chief officer for the Committee for Health and Social Care, despite a budget for the new post being agreed last year.

2025's budget stated there would be new recurring spending of £1.1m on delivering a sustainable healthcare model, which would include the creation of a new chief officer post at the committee.

States of Guernsey chief executive Boley Smillie said the proposal pre-dated his appointment and he anticipated a decision would be made on the position soon.

Most committees within the States haven't had a chief officer since 2016 when changes were made to Guernsey's system of government.

The BBC has asked what the budgeted £1.1m has been spent on so far, but has not had a response.

Mr Smillie said: "This proposal pre-dated my appointment and given the scale and complexity of HSC's responsibilities, I have taken time to consider the best way to strengthen its structure and support.

"I anticipate making a decision on this soon, but I will do so in close collaboration with the new Committee for Health & Social Care to ensure there is alignment with political objectives"

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.