Mark de Garis, the current interim Chief Executive of Guernsey's civil service, has been appointed on a permanent basis.

Mr de Garis has been in the role of caretaker for nearly a year, after the departure of Paul Whitfield.

He will take up the newly named role of "Head of the Public Service" on 1 August.

The States tell us 17 applications were received and four candidates were shortlisted for the job.

The interview panel was headed up by Simon Nash from the Jersey Appointments Commission, alongside Deputies Peter Ferbrache, Heidi Soulsby, Peter Roffey, and an external panel member.

Deputy Ferbrache says Mr de Garis has shown he can provide excellent leadership in challenging circumstances:

“We believe he brings the right vision and experience to lead the organisation as we look to provide improved value for money and easy access to good quality services for our community, and deliver on the priorities agreed by the States through the Government Work Plan.”

Mr de Garis' salary is not disclosed but the position was advertised at  £190,000.

He says his challenge is to make the public sector as effective and efficient as possible:

"I’ve been very privileged to serve in the public sector in a wide range of strategic and operational roles, from law enforcement to health services and most recently as the interim Chief Executive.

We have big tasks facing us as we look to make our organisation as effective and efficient as possible, while we adapt our services to meet 21st century expectations.

We also need to give our staff opportunities to develop and grow, building resilience into the public service as we continue to make sure our elected representatives are fully supported and their decisions can be effectively delivered as quickly as possible.”