Head of Guernsey's Public Service is stepping down

Wednesday, 31 July 2024 15:50

Mark de Garis will leave Guernsey's civil service in 2025, ahead of the General Election.

Next year will mark 40 years of public service in Guernsey for Mr de Garis and that, combined with the upcoming General Election in 2025, led to his decision to step down.

Mr de Garis - who was appointed Head of the Public Service in 2022 - says he is giving advanced notice now, so that recruitment for his successor can begin well ahead of the June election.

He called his career challenging but rewarding.

"When I first joined the civil service in the 1980s, I couldn’t have imagined the opportunities that this organisation would provide me, and I am so proud of the public sector and the dedication that I see each and every day.

When I accepted the role of Head of the Public Service, I was clear that my intention was to support the current political body during an immensely challenging time, but that I was unable to commit to the next political term.

With the Election now less than one year away, I was keen to provide early notice that I would be stepping down in 2025 in order that my successor is in post, and I am able to provide a detailed and structured handover to ensure they are in the best possible position to support the incoming Assembly."

President of the Policy & Resources Committee Deputy Lyndon Trott says a recruitment campaign for the successor will launch in the autumn.