Chief Officer Group minutes
| Authority | Cabinet Office |
|---|---|
| Date received | 2025-05-29 |
| Outcome | Some information sent but part exempt |
| Outcome date | 2025-09-19 |
| Case ID | 4694893 |
Summary
The requester sought unredacted Chief Officer Group minutes from 2011 to 2025 and documentation regarding an unpublished policy decision to cease publishing these minutes. The Cabinet Office provided some information, including specific meeting minutes from December 2011, but withheld other requested details, resulting in a partial exemption outcome.
Key Facts
- The request covered Chief Officer Group minutes from 2011 to 2025 to fill website gaps from 2013-2019.
- The requester specifically asked for the unpublished policy decision or documentation that stopped the routine publication of minutes.
- The authority clarified the request on 3 June 2025 before providing a response.
- The response included 576 pages across 2 documents, featuring minutes from a meeting on 13 December 2011.
- The final outcome was classified as 'Some information sent but part exempt'.
Data Disclosed
- 2011
- 2025
- 2013-2019
- 3 June 2025
- 13 December 2011
- 8 November 2011
- 576 pages
- 2 documents
- 10.00 AM
- Paper 18/11
- 078/11
- 079/11
- 080/11
- 2019/2020
Original Request
Please supply (1) unredacted or minimum redacted copies of Chief Officer Group minutes within FOIA 2015 scope from 2011 to 2025 to backfill the 2013-2019 availability gaps on the website and (2) information such as the agenda item, the rationalisation, any related background documents and date the unpublished policy to cease and desist published minutes was approved contrary to the Cabinet Office open government policy and contrary to UK common law precedents applicable to the Isle of Man such as Lord Dyson in R (Lumba) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2012] 1 AC 24, a policy, 'if unpublished…must not be inconsistent with any published policy': https://www.gov.im/about-the-government/departments/cabinet-office/the-office-of-the-chief-executive/ On 3 June we wrote to ask you for clarification as follows: "In order to identify and locate the information that you have asked for we need some further information from you. In particular, we need to seek clarification from you about part 2 of your request below: (2) information such as the agenda item, the rationalisation, any related background documents and date the unpublished policy to cease and desist published minutes was approved contrary to the Cabinet Office open government policy and contrary to UK common law precedents applicable to the Isle of Man such as Lord Dyson in R (Lumba) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2012] 1 AC 24, a policy, 'if unpublished…must not be inconsistent with any published policy': The Freedom of Information Act covers recorded information held by a public authority. From your request it is not clear what information you are requesting us to find for you. We will be able to search for specific recorded information. In particular, it would be helpful to know the exact information that you require. Could you please be more specific as to the exact recorded information that you are looking for to assist us to search for what you need?" On 3 June 2025 you provided clarification as follows: "Email dated 20th May 2025 timed 11:45 from executive assistant Joanne Aldred to the Isle of Man Government CEO Mark Lewin: Further to your email below regarding Chief Officer Group minutes, I can confirm that these minutes are not published routinely. An unexplained and unconstitutional internal policy decision was made at some point by someone some time ago to stop publication of the previously published COG minutes. Please supply a copy of the unpublished policy decision from the relevant meeting minutes or the relevant email thread or the relevant telephone call filenote. The unpublished policy decision should be adequately documented and referenced in 2019/2020 for example in the first unpublished Chief Officer Group minutes after the last published Chief Officer Group minutes. I think it would be reasonable to expect the Chief Secretary at the time to have had to approve a divergence from already well established high corporate governance standards rather than any wholly unacceptable unilateral secret joint agreement by the Chief Officers themselves incompatible with already well established high corporate governance standards. The civil service code requires any such historically significant decisions to be documented to protect former, present and future employees. Compliance is doing the right thing even when nobody else is watching. MONEYVAL inspections require adequate documentation to demonstrate compliance or to uncover falsely claimed compliance with corporate governance assurances and reassurances on open government."
Data Tables (47)
| Department | Department Meeting Date | Date for PFG information to be submitted |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet Office | 12 February | 12 February PM |
| DoI | 31 January | 7 February |
| DHA | 29 January | 6 February |
| DESC | 5 February | 10 February |
| DEFA | 5 February | 10 February |
| DfE | 12 February | 12 February PM |
| Treasury | 5 February | 7 February |
| DHSC | 7 February | 11 February |
| Minute Ref | Agenda Item | Minutes | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 009/24 | 1. | Minutes held of the meeting on 23 January 2024: ● MM-Item 3 – role of OPS with People strategy – being developed as part of project tHRive – not just an OHR strategy ● Take as approved – AR and take actions into a log | |
| 010/24 | 2. | Matters arising ● None |
| 011/24 | 3. | People performance – key cross cutting strengths and weaknesses Julie Bradley, Executive Director, OHR in attendance CabO COO introduced Executive Director, OHR and advised the group that this is to start looking at the key issues that are cross cutting for all Departments. Executive Director, OHR confirmed that each month the group will be supplied with the Corporate statistics/Dashboard, which will include items like sickness, turnover rates, etc. DfE CO requested that grievances also be added into the dashboard if not collated already. The Executive Director, OHR confirmed that Recruitment has been successful and service time has reduced into the relevant teams within OHR and Staff welfare has now been reduced to a 2 week waiting time. The Group agreed that we need to encourage staff to take the time to attend training courses. It was also agreed that that the Executive Director, OHR will pull together information on middle management progression for the next meeting. CO, DfE left at 10:07 for an external appointment | ACTION: all COG members to ensure ACTION: JB to bring back to next meeting |
|---|---|---|---|
| 012/24 | 4. | Risk Management Sarah Hydrie, Director, Audit Advisory in attendance The Director, Audit Advisory introduced this section and provided a presentation to the Group on where we currently are in the process. Where we’re at 1.Risk Management Policy updated 2.Risk register template and scoring methodology updated 3.Risk management website is live on the intranet |
| 014/24 | 6. | Resourcing this work CabO COO advised that as we are responding to more cross governmental work there is a need to recruit an addition person to assist with this. However this needs a conversation with Treasury. | ACTION: MM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 015/24 | 7. | Draft Gov.im Nick Leece, Executive Director GTS, Paul Watson, Head of Delivery and Carl Watson, Head of Technology Strategy in attendance and presentation provided. CabO COO provided an introduction to the Group. The Head of Technology Strategy provided the following presentation: Challenges of gov.im • Modernise IOMG web presence • Continuously Improve • Compete with peers • Provide consistent "front door" to IOMG digital content and services • Prioritise project other programmes • Satisfy customer demand Solution Approach • Foundation • Business case • Tools to manage estate and standards bot just content • Extendible platform not bespoke website • Empower a small web platform team • Transformation • Start with high visibility “quick wins” • Composable delivered in affordable stages • Integration ready • Deliver alongside existing stack • Endurance • Benefit from community improvements • Continuous Improvement • Focus on data intelligence to improve service • Maximise cost effectiveness Benefits • Customer benefits • Improved and speedy access to find Government’s online content |
| ACTION: NL, GTS | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 016/24 | 8. | Covid Review - Task and Finish Josh Phillips, Project Manager, BCS and Paul Thomas, Head of Portfolio Management Office, BCS in attendance CabO COO introduced this item. The Project Manager had been tasked with going through the 31 recommendations from the COVID Review conducted by Kate Brunner KC along with the Task and Finish group that had been set up. The Project Manager informed the Group that after the Task & Finish Group met the recommendations are now summarised. It was suggested and agreed by the Group that an outline of costings would be required in order to consider the recommendations and what can actioned early on and what will take time to process versus area of priority. | |||
| CabO COO advised that the document would be distributed to COG. | ACTION: MM ACTION: MM | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 017/24 | 9. | Island Plan Paul Thomas, Head of Portfolio Management Office, BCS provided an update to the Group on the current status of the Island Plan. It was confirmed that the draft document has now been sent through to the Group and he is now waiting on responses from Chief Officers. It was confirmed by the Head of Portfolio Management Office that an excel document had been produced on each milestone and how to proceed along with comments. The following items were queried and updated: • Cabinet Office - Mental Health & Suicide Report • DESC – Childcare Strategy - • DHA - Road Safety Strategy – • DEFA – Energy Strategy - • DEFA – Environment Strategy – The Chair thanked the Head of Portfolio Management Office and CabO COO for their hard work in pulling this together in such a short period of time. The next version will formally go to Council of Ministers and Chief Officers over the weekend and will be brought to the Council of Ministers meeting on 15th February 2024. Head of Portfolio Management Office and Project Manager left at 12:05 |
| Minute Ref | Agenda Item | Minutes | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 021/24 | 1. | Minutes held of the meeting on 30 January 2024: ● Minutes will be issued at a later date | |
| 022/24 | 2. | Matters arising ● |
| there is likely to be financial commitments that need to be made however this is quite some work and is not likely to be completed in time for the sitting in April. The Group was advised that Council of Ministers will most likely accept the recommendations in principal until the cost implication are provided in more detail. Wright Report The Group were advised that this Report will most likely follow the same Parliamentary route as the Covid Review Report – Acceptance in principal but understand that there will be cost implications that would need looking at when available. It was noted by the Group that they may need to reprioritise the recommendation for both Reports in conjunction with the Island Plan. The Group highlighted that we also need to ensure that the work already being carried out against the recommendations and that they be provided ahead of the debate in April in Tynwald. Josh Phillips, BCS left the meeting at 09:57 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 036/24 | 4. | Island Plan - run through ahead of workshop with COMIN Paul Thomas, BCS in attendance at 10:05. Paul Thomas provided the Group with a brief overview ahead of the COMIN/COG workshop on Thursday 7th March 2024. The intention moving forward would be to digitise the reporting in order to make it easier to send through the updates and easier for the teams pulling the work together. This proposal would be brought back to the Group shortly to run through. The Group went through the Island Plan Progress Report in order to suggest any amendments ahead of the workshop on |
| 7th March. Paul Thomas left at 10:39 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 037/24 | 5. | Any other business: DHSC - Discussion on the current situation regarding the Roundhouse Measles – funding from Treasury for 1 shot strategy – Public Health putting comms out. Everyone in affected group – will have 1 dose of MMR – go a long way to help protecting SG (Chair) – reminded the group on good news stories | ACTION: |
| 038/24 | 6. | Date for the next meetings: Tuesday 12th March 2024 – COG, Deputies and ExCOG in attendance |
| Minute Ref | Agenda Item | Minutes | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 046/24 | 1. | Minutes held of the meeting on 19 March 2024: The minutes will be circulated to ExCOG. | |
| 047/24 | 2. | Workshop - A review following CoMin away-day Workshop on 22 March The Chief Executive Officer provided the Group with an overview of the Council of Minister’s away-day Workshop on Friday 22 March 2024. The Group were advised that the Chief Minister is keen for COG to return to CoMin with a set of proposals that can be taken forward that provide value to communities and businesses. It will be important to link good news stories and initiatives to a positive Autumn Statement, and the Group agreed that the facts will need to be published in order to get better control of external communications The Group were reminded of the upcoming Council of Ministers |
| 048/24 | 3. | COG away-day – Modernisation for Government Programme There was no time to discuss this Item. This will need to be rescheduled for the next strategic COG. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 049/24 | Any other business: N/A | ACTION: | |
| 050/24 | Dates for the next meetings: Tuesday 09 April 2024, Culture, Comms and Organisational Health. Meeting ended at 12:35. |
| Minute Ref | Agenda Item | Minutes | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 051/24 | 1. | Minutes held of the meeting on 26 March 2024 Minutes of the meeting of 26 March to be picked up after the meeting. | |
| 052/24 | 2. | Island Plan – Exception Reporting – 09:30 – 09:45 Mr P Thomas and Mr R Lardner-Burke were in attendance for this Item, and presented to the Group regarding Island Plan Reporting and the Island Plan Dashboard. It was confirmed to the Group that the Dashboard is able to be tweaked to the needs of the individual Departments. Mr Lardner-Burke confirmed that he would report back to the Group on the cost of the Dashboard. Mr Lardner-Burke showed the Group the back-office site of the |
| 053/24 | 3. | OPB Feedback The Chief Executive Officer reported to the Group following a meeting of the Operational Performance Board, in which the recently-appointed Cabinet Office Non-Executive Directors, Mr Templer and Mr Hall, were present. A discussion was then held by the Group on the second meeting of the Operational Performance Board. The Group noted that there was a potential overlap between the remit of the Operational Performance Board and the Public Services Commission. The Chief Executive Office committed to bringing OPB Papers to COG for discussion prior to meetings, in order to assist with preparation. A point was raised by the Group that the Terms of Reference for the Operational Performance Board may need to be updated as the Board evolves over the coming months. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 054/24 | 4. | OPCOG Minutes – Verbal update The Chief Operating Officer updated the Group on the Operational CoG minutes. | |
| 055/24 | 5. | Performance Development (OPS) Final Rollout – 10:30 – 11:00 Mrs H Clague and Ms A Nash were in attendance for this Item. The Group were updated on the final rollout of the Our Public Service project. It was confirmed to the Group that the website has had an increase in traffic of 2,596%. Mrs H Clague noted to the Group that she has discussed the matter of learning support with the Chief Officers, in order to tailor the support to the needs of the Departments. The Group were advised that there are a variety of courses on offer including a management induction programme and mentorship training. |
| It was confirmed that the difficult conversations course could be delivered digitally to up to 2,000 people, but Mrs Clague and Ms Nash confirmed they could be available to deliver training on- site. Mrs H Clague advised that she would draft an email for the Group in order to be circulated to staff. The Chief Executive Officer confirmed he would be interested in doing a vlog, and Mr J Davies confirmed he would organise this. Mrs H Clague and Ms A Nash left the meeting at 11:13. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 056/24 | 6. | Comms update Mr J Davies updated the Group on the current Government Communication plan. Mr Davies confirmed that the Government Communications Team are working on a Comms plan, which is linking to milestones within the Island Plan. The Group noted that the Chief Minister is launching the Council of Ministers Roadshows with media interviews, and the Group noted that Mr Davies and Mrs E Mullarney-Ford would attend the Council of Ministers meeting on 18 April to discuss the Roadshows with Ministers in more detail. | |
| 057/24 | Any other business: The Chief Executive Officer fed back to the Group from informal notes that were taken from a CoMin away-day. The Chief Financial Officer confirmed he would revert back to the Group regarding the ECIP targets. Risk mitigation, management accounts and headcount information would also be included. The Group confirmed to bring the headcount report to a future meeting of the Chief Officer Group. The Group noted that preparation is ongoing with regards to the healthcare levee, and there would be further comms and discussion at an appropriate time. The Group agreed to revert back on the back to work | ACTION: |
| initiatives with the Health Learning and Social Policy Board. The Chief Officers, DoI and DfE, agreed to report back to the Group on Housing, and further clarification is required on the Landlord Bill. The Chief Officer, DEFA, agreed to circulate to the Group an email he received regarding giving evidence to a Select Committee concerning the Steam Packet. The Group requested for the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Officer, DfE, to bring an Item to the next Chief Officer Group meeting regarding the costs of fares of the Steam Packet Company. The Chief Financial Officer left the meeting at 12:25. The Group noted that an Item on the Legislative Programme Plan will come to the next meeting, with an accompanying paper from Mrs K Hemsely. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 058/24 | Date for the next meeting: Tuesday 23rd April 2024 – Strategic thinking session. Meeting ended at 12:47. |
| Minute Ref | Agenda Item | Minutes | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Apologies noted | ||
| 059/24 | 2. | Minutes held of the meeting on 16 April 2024 The Road show of 22 April in the South was summarized. | ALL |
| 060/24 | 3. | Housing and Landlord Bill • • • Chief Operating Officer asked about migrant workers. Chief Officer DOI updated that there is broadening of the scope of the housing association, in that moving DOI stock into the association, and looking at areas of need. • Chief Operating Officer asked if employers are assisting in this kind of housing. • Chief Officer DOI asked if the 10point plan is the best to address housing then. Chief Executive Officer mentioned that in the UK, they have a standard of housing. • No actions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 061/24 | 4. | Financial Control Regime • Chief Financial Officer - Step-up of a view to the Financial Officer responsibilities, in terms of financial advice to minister, accountability. | CR |
| • Chief Executive Officer – Chief Minister to enforce. • Chief Officer DOI - This follows into 10 point plan. ACTION: recharging within 3 weeks. | AR | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 062/24 | 5. | 10 Point Plan • Connectivity National strategy for air strategy, airport departures, student discount scheme, sea terminal, bus terminal. Steam Packet was high on Chief Minister’s priority. • Steam Packet Fare, early wins Chief Executive Officer wants a look at freight, costs and rates. Chief Financial Officer mentioned that this needs long-term sustainability. Chief Officer DOI – Sea Services policy was defined. Establish a need. Chief Officer DOI – Overnight freight sailing was the profitable part, yet the Sea Service policy says to travel during the day. |
| Chief Officer DOI – Policy states that there must be a set amount of subsidized seats available. Director of Policy & Strategy DOE – Negotiating with Treasury via an intermediary service, so as to meet objectives. Chief Officer DOI – September is reporting. ACTION: Chief Executive Officer requested that can we bring options to COG in May regarding costing and pricings of Steam Packet. ACTION: Chief Officer DOI to bring Sea Services policy for September. Chief Financial Officer stated that there is the challenge of data available. • Employment | ALL EC | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Refer to PowerPoint presentation. Biosphere strategy led Chief Executive Officer to think of our mission, be it COG or public service (both have tasks). | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 063/24 | 6. | COG Away Day (follow on) Chief Executive Officer – Long and short-term goals. Did horizon scanning. Getting finance discipline in order, opportunities of new ways of working, here and now. Medium-term goals is preparing for next administration Long-term goals are for the future. Get these questions down on paper, to come back to a 2nd COG away day. Chief Operating Officer – This is where we left the January session. Before we dive into strategy structure, do a cross- check of questions we want answered so that we can come back to these. ACTION: Group the above questions together, to discuss on half day away day. Important to underpin strategies going forward, with a common purpose and direction. This has to be resourced to assist in some of this work. Date for this to be done before the TT. Date to be advised. to action. | ALL |
| 064/24 | 7. | Any other business: Chief Executive Officer to send agenda out regarding off- island trip. If anyone has briefing notes for Andy in advance, it would be appreciated. | ACTION: AR |
| Minute Ref | Agenda Item | Minutes | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 131/24 | 1. | Apologies CO DHSC, Paul Richardson | |
| 132/24 | 2. | Minutes from the Previous Meeting Minutes were not provided from the previous meeting – Item to be rolled over to the meeting of 10th September. | |
| 10:06 Jo Taylor, BCS attended for the following item: | |||
| 133/24 | 3. | Public Service Reporting Ms J Taylor provided the Group with a presentation on Public Service Reporting, and a discussion was held. Ms Taylor confirmed to the Group that OHR and Departments have expressed a preference for quarterly reporting, to which the Group agreed. The Group noted that the Public Service Reporting should not be at the same time as the Island Plan Reporting, and that it would follow the month after the Island Plan Quarterly Report. |
| Following the discussion, it was agreed that: • A definition should be provided for ‘establishment’, • A glossary of terms should be added to the report, • Departments will provide fields of authorised establishments once an agreed definition has been provided • Public Service Reporting will be published quarterly in the month following the Island Plan Quarterly Report, • The first report will be published ahead of October Tynwald, and will be checked manually by COG prior to publication. Jo Taylor left the meeting at 10:49. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 134/24 | 4. | Strategy Development Working Groups No update received on this Item. | |
| Paul Thomas and Phil King attended for the following Item at 10:57: | |||
| 135/24 | 5. | Island Plan and Legislative Programme Update The CEO confirmed that the next update to the Council of Ministers on this Item is Thursday 05 September. Mr P Thomas Mr P King updated the Group on the Island Plan Dashboard and filtered the completed actions from the previous meeting on 30 May. Mr P King discussed the Manx Utilities Authority’s milestones, and the updated targets of the UK Government in both on and offshore renewable energy. Mr P King left the meeting at 11:20. Mr P Thomas discussed escalations with the Group. The decision was taken to extract the data from the Island Plan Dashboard to cover the high-level items through Strategic Priorities with CoMin on a 1-page summary. SRO’s will introduce the Strategic Priorities, to then move onto the escalations. The Group agreed to discuss the Government Response to the Covid Review in December, with Mr P Thomas in attendance. Mr P Thomas is to create slides to take to the Council of Ministers on Thursday. Mr P Thomas left the meeting at 11:53 |
| 136/24 | 6. | Operational Performance Board – CEO Report The OPB meeting moved to 11 October due to NEDs availability; report will be brought back once completed. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 137/24 | 7. | Any Other Business Industrial Relations and Pay Anne Corkill provided the Group with a verbal update on Industrial Relations and ongoing pay negotiations with the Unions. The CEO and CO, DOI left the meeting at 12:00 The Chief Financial Officer confirmed he is taking the financial position items into CoMin next week. Ministerial Decisions confirmed that there is no definition of a Ministerial Decision within the Government Code. The Group agreed a definition should be clarified. The Group noted that, with the exception of Treasury and the DOI, Ministerial Decisions are made infrequently. Where they are made, all decisions are logged in accordance with the Government Code. It was agreed that and the COO are to have further discussions on this topic, liaising with Treasury and the DOI. Date of next meeting: Tuesday 10 September - King Orry Room With no further business to discuss, the meeting ended at 12:38 |
| Minute Ref | Agenda Item | Minutes | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 186/24 | 1. | Apologies Julie Bradley, Executive Director, OHR | |
| 187/24 | 2. | Review of Previous Minutes The minutes of 3 and 10 December were approved with the following amendments: 3 December - Amend ‘Jobtrain’ to ‘PIP’ on page 3 under the action. 10 December 2024 - Amend ‘MERS’ to ‘MARS’ on page 4. The CEO (IOMG) gave an update from the Operational Performance Board (OPB) and advised the Group there was Board support with the Efficiencies Programme. The OPB had extended membership to the Treasury Minister, Cabinet Office Minister and Chief Financial Officer. The meetings would continue quarterly with the standing agenda. In addition, 1-hour meetings would be scheduled fortnightly to discuss business cases in relations to the Efficiencies Programme. The Terms of Reference would be updated to reflect this. |
| Minute Ref | Agenda Item | Minutes | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09/25 | 1. | Apologies Mr. A Ralphs, Chief Executive Officer, (IOMG) Dr M Mathias, Chief Operating Officer, Cabinet Office COO Ms. J Bradley, Executive Director, OHR | |
| 10/25 | 2. | Review of Previous Minutes The minutes from the meetings on the 17 December 2024 and the 7 January 2025 where approved. The Group discussed the People Strategy noting the minutes from the meeting on the 7 January 2025 indicated that these would be circulated by the 13 January. The Director of HR Business Partnering and Project Practice, OHR, confirmed that it had not been circulated as the information needed to be condensed. The Group highlighted that it wanted an opportunity to have a fulsome consideration of the strategy and would need time to review it and agreed it should return to COG to discuss rather than being circulated out of Committee. The Director of HR Business Partnering and Project Practice, OHR, confirmed the Director of Workforce Development and Culture, Organisational Development & Design Unit was now in place and owned the People Strategy alongside the Executive Director, OHR. The Chief Officer, DoI, requested the current status and timeline of all the strategies and papers and questioned |
| whether the Estate’s paper was now under the Efficiencies Programme. The Chief Officer, DfE advised that the Chief Executive Officer (IOMG), (‘CEO (IOMG)’ was the lead on the Efficiencies programme, with the support of the Executive Director, GTS and Programme Manager, BCS. ACTION: A comprehensive picture is required of all the different strategies and how they fit together, including estates and property and the work environment. It was noted by the Group that the Employee Conference was separate to the People Strategy and the Strategy would not be launched there. | CEO | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 11/25 | 3. | Government Communications Update The Head of Government Communications joined the meeting at 09:41. The Head of Government Communications explained that he and the Executive Director, Crown External Relations, had been invited to attend COG on a regular basis, to provide a line of sight for media announcements. Comms support would be necessary to establish a common frame. Initial support required: • the January statement and supporting the Chief Minister; • launching the Efficiency programme; • the Budget; • identifying the allocation of resources and determining areas of focus. Updates will be provided to COG going forward. The Group were invited to share any thoughts which included: |
| ACTION: Stock take of social media presence to enable a review of the policy The Group discussed press engagement and whether they were being proactive enough rather than reactive. The Director of HR Business Partnering and Project Practice, OHR, suggested this could be carried out during the induction for new staff. The Head of Government Communications left the meeting at 10:15 am. | JD | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/25 | 4 | Covid Review The PMO Manager, Business Change Services, Marketing Manager, Department for Enterprise and PMO Analyst, Business Change Services joined the meeting at 10:17 am. The PMO Manager advised the dashboard was based on the end of November position and reported on the overall progress: An update was given on the following milestones: Communication Emergency planning • Contingency Planning • National preventative mechanism • DHSC Contingency planning • | DHA GA AS/MM |
| DD stepped out of the meeting 10:48 and returned at 10:52. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 13/25 | 5. | Island Plan The PMO Manager mentioned an email that had been received from Minister Poole-Wilson with suggestions which would be incorporated into the document. ACTION: comments to be submitted to the Marketing Manager, DfE. ACTION: circulate Island Plan to the Group, excluding pages that have not been amended. The PMO Manager, Business Change Services, Marketing Manager, Department for Enterprise and PMO Analyst, Business Change Services left the meeting at 11:09. | ALL PH |
| 14/25 | 6. | Carbon Literacy Commitment The Group discussed the Carbon Literacy Commitment and agreed collectively to embed a quarterly half-day Climate Change workshop into the schedule each year to ensure at least 50% of staff were trained. ACTION: circulate amended collective commitment. ACTION: investigate what Lead can support on | SG OHR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15/25 | 7. | Any Other Business Paper 001/25 The time management system update The Director of HR Business Partnering and Project Practice OHR spoke to the paper which the Group supported. She also provided details under AOB as follows: • NEBOSH Health and Safety Training • Enhanced Employment Legislation 1st April 2025 • Red Weather Warnings ACTION: OHR to be invited to the debrief. ACTION: copy of information provided to Unions to be circulated to COG. The Chief Financial Officer advised that a Budget Update would be given during the COG session on Friday 14 February, this would be an in-person meeting. The CO, DEFA highlighted that primary legislative planning updates need to be completed by Friday 31 January with the CO, DHA, advising secondary legislation was a potential risk. | DD OHR |
| 16/25 | 8. | Date of next meeting: Tuesday 11 February 2025, 9.30 am - King Orry Room The meeting ended at 11:47 |
| Minute Ref | Agenda Item | Minutes | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36/25 | 1. | Apologies No apologies received. | |
| 37/25 | 2. | Review of Previous Minutes The minutes from the meeting on the 25 February 2025 where approved. ACTION: The Chair asked for page numbers to be added to the minutes. ACTION: Rolling actions log to be instigated. | Secretariat Secretariat |
| 38/25 | 3. | Government Communications Update The Communications Executive and Executive Director C&ER entered the meeting at 9:35. The Communications Executive gave an update on current communications including: • Breast cancer screening mandate; • Members briefing on NHS levy Consultation; • New release on FOI cost limits; • IOM Children’s health programme; |
| • Notice of election for local Government elections would be issued later in the week; • Seek clarification on request for design and communication support for story boards. The Group discussed the story boards which originated from the Island Plan priorities noting these did differ now from the discussions at the away day and the Island Plan. It was confirmed that Treasury would lead with any story boards. ACTION: Roadshow coordinator to attend COG to provide an update. The Group discussed the Liverpool MOU and the attendance at the event, with the CEO requesting the COs who were available should attend the event, more so for DoI, DHA and DHSC. ACTION: Final draft of the MOU to be circulated to COG. The Communications Executive and Executive Director C&ER entered the meeting at 10:05. | Secretariat C&ER | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 39/25 | 4 | Financial Management Approach 2025-2026 The Deputy Financial Officer (DCFO) entered the meeting at 10:05. |
| The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) took the Group through the presentation. The DCFO left the meeting at 10:34. The Director of Workforce Development and Culture (WD&C) LeAD entered the meeting at 10:36. | Treasury | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 40/25 | 5. | MARS The Group discussed the MARS scheme and |
| l , ACTION: Share schedule of policies going to OpCOG and COG. | OHR OHR COO | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 41/25 | 6. | People Strategy The Group discussed shared values and pride in Government employees, data shows increased engagement. ACTION: Provide the Director WD&C with high level shared values. ACTION: Circulate the values to COG to review. The Director WD&C confirmed that she would visit all the COs. | Secretariat OD&D Director WD&C |
| The Director WD&C left the meeting at 12:10 | OD&D ALL | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 42/25 | 7. | Highlight Report and Efficiencies Benefit The Programme Manager gave an update on the efficiencies programme including: • Approval of the digital pillar. • Regular dashboard of each work stream. • Visit all COs as part of the discovery phase; • Resource for the programme; • COs could email any questions after the meeting. ACTION: Circulate presentation to COG. | Secretariat |
| 43/25 | 8. | Tynwald Register of Business - forward look The Group reviewed the register of business including the Island Plan speeches for Ministers. ACTION: COs to share draft speeches by Friday 14 March. | ALL |
| 44/25 | 9. | Asset Strategy The CEO advised the papers had been circulated for the COs to review and would bring this back to the next COG meeting to discuss further with quick wins for disposable of property/assets. | |
| 45/25 | 10. | Any Other Business i. application was expected on 12 March; ii. Fall back site for emergency services joint control room is required, classroom at DEFA to be considered. Tuesday 25 March 2025, 9.30 am - King Orry Room The meeting ended at 12:30. |
| Minute Ref | Agenda Item | Minutes | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46/25 | 1. | Apologies Mr. S Gallacher, Chief Officer, Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture. (‘CO, DEFA’) | |
| 47/25 | 2. | The Head of Corporate Services, joined the meeting at 9.30am Roadshow update Mrs Mullarney-Ford provided the Group with an update on the Roadshows which including the purpose, venues, timings and preparation. |
| The Head of Corporate Services, left the meeting at 9.56am | EMF Secretariat | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 48/25 | 3. | The Collector, Customs & Excise Division and Head of Economic Advisory joined the meeting at 9.56am. Population Analysis The Head of Economic Advisory took the Group through his presentation on Population Trends, which included resident population, net population change, net migration (ages), employment, visas (nationality, salary, job role and public/private sectors). |
| 49/25 | 4 | The ED, OHR, CO, DESC, the Collector, Customs & Excise Division and Head of Economic Advisory left the meeting at 11.00am. |
| 50/25 | 5. | Review of minutes of previous meeting The minutes from the meeting on the 25 March 2025 were approved by the Group. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51/25 | 6. | Forward Plan – Horizon Scanning The Group discussed the deadline for the DHSC Resolution under May on the Tynwald forward planner and the general debate. The rest of the details were discussed noting: • ACTION: Housing to be added to the next COG agenda The ED, OHR and CO, DESC, joined the meeting at 11:23. • | Secretariat |
| 52/25 | 7. | Review of Financial Position – February Management Accounts The ICEO spoke about the one-page document to record financial pressures and returning the information. | |
| 53/25 | 8. | People update – Interactive dashboard The Group reviewed the interactive dashboard | ED, OHR |
| 54/25 | 9. | Efficiencies and Transformation Update The ICEO advised that the COO had returned to the efficiencies programme as the sponsor, and he would also be supporting. . The COO stated that projects needed to be underway as soon as possible with scoping and assessing the efficiencies savings |
| that could be achieved. Staff from BCS would be utilised and contract support as necessary. The Tynwald briefing, previously postponed, was rescheduled for Monday, 7 April and must proceed. ACTION: Circulate the Tynwald Briefing to COG The Group discussed the Asset pillar. ACTION: Add Efficiencies onto the next COG Agenda with an update on Digital. | ICEO/COO Secretariat | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Review of OPCB Meeting – 10 March 2025 The group discussed the OPCB meeting and considered ways to improve it, including the use of an interactive dashboard. | |||
| 55/25 | 10. | Any Other Business Car Parking – would be added to the next COG Agenda; Recruitment SLA – the Group agreed to note this; | Secretariat |
| DHSC/Manx Care putting in a motion – Committee to review Manx Care; DHA, 2 papers for next agenda National Infrastructure Bill and paper on AI and AI playbook, Mr Speaker had raised a question on AI; DoI, progressing with the application; DESC, narrative required around the increase in headcount and split between teachers and non-teachers. ACTION: Add flash figures from the quarterly public service report on next COG Agenda from Mrs Taylor Tuesday 8 April 2025, 9.30 am – DHA Boardroom The meeting ended at 12:02 pm | Secretariat | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Full Response Text
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CHIEF OFFICER GROUP HELD ON
TUESDAY 13 DECEMBER 2011 AT 10.00 AM IN THE KING ORRY ROOM, CHIEF
SECRETARY’S OFFICE, GOVERNMENT OFFICE
Present:
Mr W Greenhow, Chief Secretary
Mr N Black, Chief Executive, Department of Community, Culture and
Leisure
Mr C Kniveton, Chief Executive, Department of Economic Development
Mr S Dobson, Chief Executive, Department of Education and Children
Mr D Killip, Chief Executive, Department of Health
Mr M Kelly, Chief Executive, Department of Home Affairs
Mr I Thompson, Chief Executive, Department of Infrastructure
Mr C Corlett, Chief Executive, Department of Social Care
Mr J Callister, Chief Officer, Office of Human Resources Mr E Southworth, Director of Manx National Heritage
In attendance:
Mrs A Martin, Director of Performance and Delivery
Mr D Davies, Programme Director, Government Transformation
Apologies: Mr P M Shimmin, Chief Financial Officer Mr K Kinrade, Chief Executive, Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture
078/11 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 8 NOVEMBER 2011
Having been previously circulated the Minutes of the meeting of 8 November
2011 were agreed and signed by the Chief Secretary.
079/11
MATTERS ARISING
a.
Legislative Programme
It was noted that the priority list of Bills to be drafted for introduction into the
Branches during the current Legislative Session had been issued to Departments
in November 2011.
b.
Off Island Consultants
It was noted that guidance on the use of off Island consultants would be issued
to Departments in due course.
10.35 Heather Christian, Director of Corporate Services, Office of Human Resources in attendance for the following item
080/11 Report on the Review of the Performance and Development Review Scheme for Civil Servants Paper 18/11 The Director of Corporate Services presented the results of the review of the Performance and Development Review Scheme for Civil Servants.
The Chief Officer Group endorsed the recommendations contained within the Report.
081/11 TRANSFORMING GOVERNMENT
Mr D Davies, Programme Director, Government Transformation updated the Group on the work of the Transforming Government Programme.
082/11 STRATEGIC PLAN/PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT REVIEW
Mrs A Martin, Director of Performance and Delivery updated the Group on the position with the regard to the Strategic Plan and Performance Management Review.
083/11 HUMAN RESOURCES
Mr J Callister, Chief Officer presented his report from the Office of Human Resources as follows:-
a. References
Mr Callister confirmed that any reference requests received by Departments in respect of existing or former civil servants seeking employment outside the service, should be sent to the Office of Human Resources to co-ordinate the response and that guidance would be issued in this regard as soon as possible.
b. Pay Negotiations
Mr Callister provided an update on the pay negotiations for 2011/12.
c. Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme
Mr Callister advised that the Office of Human Resources was working with the Joint Negotiating Committee for the Civil Service to develop a Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme to be used if required in the future.
d. Pension Scheme Negotiation
Mr Callister advised that a number of briefing sessions for staff had been arranged for December 2011 and January 2012.
e. Tynwald Question
The Chief Secretary reported on the response given to the written question in Tynwald from the Hon Member for Onchan, Mr Hall, MHK, regarding sickness absence in each Government Department.
f. Scope of Government
Mr Callister advised that he was working with the reconstituted independent Committee that reported on the scope and structure of government in 2006. The remit of the reconstituted Committee is to review the original recommendations in respect of the scope of government only.
084/11 ANY OTHER BUSINESS
a. SPENDING REDUCTIONS IMPACT
The Chief Secretary advised that Departments should provide information to the Council of Ministers on the impact of the agreed spending reductions on Departmental budgets by the end of next week if possible.
b. STEAM PACKET
The Chief Secretary advised that the Gold Strategic Command Group is continuing to meet to discuss the ongoing disruption to Isle of Man Steam Packet Company sailings caused by a combination of bad weather and technical problems.
c.
BUS TIMETABLE
Mr N Black advised that the Road Transport Licensing Committee had approved
a new bus timetable which would be published later in the week.
d.
MANX NATIONAL HERITAGE
Mr E Southworth advised that in January 2012 there would be a public launch of
the economic impact assessment and market research carried out by Manx
National Heritage.
e.
IOM COLLEGE FOR HIGHER AND FURTHER EDUCATION
Mr S Dobson advised that the Isle of Man College and the International Business
School would be merged and would be known as the Isle of Man College of
Higher and Further Education.
085/11
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The Group noted that the date for the next monthly meeting was Tuesday 10 January 2012 in the King Orry Room, Third Floor, Government Office, Douglas. The meeting closed at 11.50am ……………………………………………………. Chief Secretary ………………………………….
Date
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CHIEF OFFICER GROUP HELD ON
TUESDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2011 AT 10.00 AM IN THE KING ORRY ROOM, CHIEF
SECRETARY’S OFFICE, GOVERNMENT OFFICE
Present:
Mr W Greenhow, Chief Secretary
Mr N Black, Chief Executive, Department of Community, Culture and
Leisure
Mr C Kniveton, Chief Executive, Department of Economic Development
Mr S Dobson, Chief Executive, Department of Education and Children
Mr K Kinrade, Chief Executive, Department of Environment, Food and
Agriculture
Mr D Killip, Chief Executive, Department of Health
Mr M Kelly, Chief Executive, Department of Home Affairs
Mr I Thompson, Chief Executive, Department of Infrastructure
Mr C Corlett, Chief Executive, Department of Social Care
Mr M Shimmin, Chief Financial Officer Mr J Callister, Chief Officer, Office of Human Resources
In attendance:
Mrs A Martin, Director of Performance and Delivery
Mr R Lole, Department of Home Affairs
Mr D Davies, Programme Director Transformation of Government
069/11 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 11 OCTOBER 2011
Having been previously circulated the Minutes of the meeting of 11 October
2011 were agreed and signed by the Chief Secretary.
070/11
MATTERS ARISING
a.
Legislative Programme
Mrs Martin, Director of Performance and Delivery advised that the Council of
Ministers would be invited to agree a priority list of Bills to be drafted for
introduction into the Branches during the current Legislative Session.
10.35 Attendance by Malcolm Couch, Assessor of Income Tax and Paul Martin,
Deputy Assessor Legislation, Income Tax Division, the Treasury in attendance for
the following item
071/11 PRESENTATION - OFF ISLAND CONSULTANTS
The Assessor of Income Tax Malcolm Couch and Deputy Assessor Paul Martin gave a presentation on the taxation of Government workers. The Assessor suggested that the ongoing need to closely monitor expenditure provided accounting officers with an opportunity to ensure that all necessary compliance
and due diligence checks were undertaken, particularly in relation to contracts of and for consultancy services.
The Chief Officer Group noted the general rules applying to the employment relationship, service providers and other workers. The Assessor stressed the importance of ensuring that Manx income tax and national insurance were deducted from all workers performing duties on the Island, regardless of their liability to tax or residence status in another jurisdiction. The Assessor confirmed that the effect would be neutral to the individuals concerned.
The Assessor offered assistance where required. Chief Officers requested that the Assessor provides guidance for dissemination across departments.
072/11 DRIVERS DAILY/FIRST USE GOVERNMENT VEHICLE INSPECTION
POLICY Paper 17/11
The Group considered a paper submitted by the Department of Infrastructure and noted that the Isle of Man Government Fleet Management Group contained representatives from the majority of the Government’s Departments, Boards and Authorities and its purpose was to identify opportunities for Government to improve its fleet management and secure value for money, consistency and efficiencies where possible.
Following consideration, the Group supported in principle that the Drivers Daily/First Use Government Vehicle Inspection procedure be adopted as policy by all Departments, Boards and Authorities of Government which operate vehicles. However, concern was recorded about issues involving Trade Unions and the Group was requested to revisit this issue.
073/11 TRANSFORMING GOVERNMENT
Mr D Davies, Programme Director Government Transformation updated the Group on the work of the Transforming Government Programme.
074/11 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL
Mrs A Martin, Director of Performance and Delivery updated the Group on the position with the regard to the Freedom of Information Bill
075/11 HUMAN RESOURCES
Mr Callister, Chief Officer presented his report from the Office of Human Resources as follows:-
a. Pension Scheme Negotiation
Mr Callister provided an update on the ongoing negotiations.
b.
Pay Negotiations
Most pay negotiations for 2010/11 had now been settled and that the pay
negotiations for 2011/12 were ongoing with several bodies.
c.
PDR Review
The results of the PDR Review would be reported to the Group on 13 December 2011.
076/11
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
a.
Performance Management Review
Mrs Martin, Director of Performance and Delivery advised that a Project Manager
had been seconded to the Transforming Government Programme to carry out a
Performance Management review.
b.
Christmas Flexi Credits
It was agreed that the Office of Human Resources should issue the same guidance as last year regarding Christmas flexi credits.
077/11 DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The Group noted that the date for the next monthly meeting was Tuesday 13 December 2011 in the King Orry Room, Third Floor, Government Office, Douglas. The meeting closed at 12.30pm ……………………………………………………. Chief Secretary ………………………………….
Date
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CHIEF OFFICER GROUP HELD ON
TUESDAY 11 OCTOBER 2011 AT 2.00 PM IN THE KING ORRY ROOM, CHIEF
SECRETARY’S OFFICE, GOVERNMENT OFFICE
Present:
Mr D Killip, Chief Executive, Department of Health - Chair
Mr N Black, Chief Executive, Department of Community, Culture and
Leisure
Mr C Kniveton, Chief Executive, Department of Economic Development
Mr S Dobson, Chief Executive, Department of Education and Children
Mr K Kinrade, Chief Executive, Department of Environment, Food and
Agriculture
Mr M Kelly, Chief Executive, Department of Home Affairs
Mr I Thompson, Chief Executive, Department of Infrastructure
Mr C Corlett, Chief Executive, Department of Social Care
Mr J Callister, Chief Officer, Office of Human Resources Mr M Shimmin, Chief Financial Officer
Apologies: Mr W Greenhow, Chief Secretary
In attendance: Mrs A Martin, Director of Performance and Delivery Mr D Davies, Programme Director Transformation of Government Department of Environment Food and Agriculture PA to the Chief Secretary
Mr Killip explained he had been requested to chair the meeting by the Chief Secretary who was unable to attend as he was meeting with Hon A R Bell MHK who had been appointed Chief Minister at the sitting of Tynwald held that morning.
062/11 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 6 SEPTEMBER 2011
Having been previously circulated the Minutes of the meeting of 6 September
2011 were agreed and signed by Mr Killip on behalf of the Chief Secretary.
063/11
MATTERS ARISING
There were no matters arising not covered by the Agenda Items.
064/11 TRANSFORMING GOVERNMENT
Mr D Davies, Programme Director Government Transformation updated the Group on the work of the Transforming Government Programme detailing the progress being made within the various strands of the work involved.
065/11 UPDATE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF PERFORMANCE AND DELIVERY
a. Public Sector Pension Review
Mrs Martin updated the Group on the Public Sector Pension Review and confirmed that the role of Chair of the Public Service Pension Authority had been advertised and the introduction of the scheme was currently on target for April 2012, pending negotiations with the workgroups involved.
Mr Callister confirmed that there had been ongoing discussions with the Joint Negotiation Bodies for the different groups and the relevant unions.
b. Legislative programme
Mrs Martin confirmed to the Group that a meeting of the Legislation Working Group (LWG) proposed for later in the month would concentrate on the better management and planning of the programme. Mrs Martin confirmed the LWG may need to look at both primary and secondary legislation. It was noted that Madam President wished to remind Chief Officers that, under Standing Orders, Bills did not necessarily have to be introduced into the House of Keys first but could be introduced into Legislative Council first which would help speed up the passage of Bills through the branches.
066/11 INTRODUCTION OF HON A R BELL MHK, CHIEF MINISTER
2.30 The Chief Secretary joined the meeting and introduced the newly elected
Chief Minister to the Group.
The Chief Minister outlined to the Group his intended priorities for the new administration and emphasised his wish to drive forward these from the centre. He wished to work as a team in conjunction with the Group to engage all staff to face the challenges ahead. The Chief Minister invited members of the Group to meet with him individually should they wish to discuss any ideas or proposals to help in this process.
2.45 The Chief Minister left the meeting
2.55 The Chief Financial Officer joined the meeting during discussion of the next
item
3.05 The Chief Secretary and the Chief Financial Officer both left the meeting
067/11 HUMAN RESOURCES
Mr Callister presented his report from the Office of Human Resources (OHR) as follows:-
a. Pay Negotiations
Mr Callister provided an update on the ongoing negotiations with several bodies and the issues arising there from.
b. Public Service Employing Authority
The response document on the PSEA consultation had now been published and further work was now to be undertaken by OHR in conjunction with the original working group and s
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