Is the Civil Service set for change at the top?

A shuffle of the civil service’s top brass could be in the offing, the Bermuda Sun understands.

But Government sources remain tight-lipped over what changes could be in the pipeline.

Insiders told the Sun that a decision had been made to split the roles of Head of the Civil Service and Cabinet Secretary — in line with recommendations made by the Sage Commission.

Previously the two posts were both held by Donald Scott, who retired at the end of last year.

Derrick Binns was recently appointed to the position of Cabinet Secretary. And we understand that Cherie Whitter, who is currently the Acting Deputy Head of the Civil Service, could be in line to take on the position of Head of the Civil Service.

However, a spokesperson for the Cabinet Office would not comment on the claims. A Government statement said: “As you will be aware, in December 2013, the Premier, Craig Cannonier, announced a series of Cabinet changes, which took effect December 10, 2013.

“In addition to the Cabinet changes, revisions were made to the Government Ministry and Department structure.

 “Additionally, the following Permanent Secretary appointments were made. The appointments took effect January 2, 2014 and include: Acting Deputy Head of the Civil Service — Cherie-Lynn Whitter; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs — Randy Rochester; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Works — Marva O’Brien and Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office — Rozy Azhar.” 

The Sage Commission recently recommended the establishment of two separate, but equally senior roles; Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of the Civil Service — to lead Government employees.

The report suggested that both positions would work under the policy direction of the Premier but each position should have a direct reporting line to the Public Service Commission.