Delivery matters. Whether it is a transport system designed for an inclusive and connected Island or a new scheme to assist people into work, the end result must work for people. Government exists predominantly to serve people as well as to act in the best long-term interests of the Island. Our culture must be one of “people first” and we must seek not to express what we “can’t do” but rather find out what we “can do” to take the Island forward and help people progress.

We must strive to create an accessible and caring environment that we can be proud of, that gives people and businesses the platforms to succeed.

The following actions are in place to enhance Government’s policy and delivery:

• The Isle of Man Government Conference is now held annually to allow for public interaction on key issues. The first two conferences in 2022 and 2023 drew more than 1,700 people and an additional 1,100 students attended the Youth Impact Summit. In this way, we have provided a unique opportunity for the Manx public to engage with and question political representatives directly on the big issues which are important to our Island.

• The Island Plan is updated annually and brought to Tynwald each year for debate and approval. This version of the Island Plan sets out Redefined Strategic Priorities for 2024-25 within the established Plan.

• Government departments and Statutory Boards are required to produce Annual Reports, and in the case of Government Departments, should include their Department plans. These should be brought to Tynwald for debate and scrutiny, led by the Minister or Chairperson. For Departments (and where relevant for Statutory Boards), these should include any actions in fulfilment of Our Island Plan.

Governance Reforms

• The Operational Performance Board has been established to provide oversight of operational performance across Government and to allow for both support and enhanced governance to be provided to the Chief Executive Officer (Isle of Man Government). The work and remit of this board, which will take an interest in Government productivity and efficiency, will also be supplemented by the appointment of Non-Executive Directors to the Cabinet Office, who will also sit on this board. The Government Code has been changed to provide for the appointment of NEDS to Government Departments if they wish.

• The Public Services Commission (PSC) has made what are considered to be crucial changes to the delegations and authority of the Chief Executive Officer regarding performance and management functions in respect of Chief Officers. These changes mean that, as well as remaining accountable to the Minister, Chief Officers are fully accountable the Chief Executive Officer, who is able to carry out key management functions, including matters related to capability and disciplinary if required, and include the authority to give reasonable instruction to Chief Officers. The CEO is required to carry out Performance Appraisal and Review in respect of Chief Officers. This closes a
  long outstanding accountability gap at the very top of the civil service, which has been in place since the start of the Ministerial system in the 1980s.

These actions bring enhanced transparency, visibility, accountability, scrutiny, and oversight of how Government is performing to meet the service needs of the public.

Policy formulation, delivery and performance management are at the centre of how Government functions to ensure that we work together for the people of our Island. This is managed through the improved governance framework outlined in the next section.