New Deputy State Services Commissioner Appointed

State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie has today announced the appointment of Debbie Power as Deputy State Services Commissioner.

“The Deputy State Services Commissioner plays an important role in New Zealand’s State services and I am very pleased Debbie Power has been appointed,” Mr Rennie said.

“Ms Power has a wealth of experience in the delivery of frontline government services and managing complex, large scale operations throughout New Zealand,” said Mr Rennie.

“The Deputy State Services Commissioner helps lead the ongoing work to improve the effectiveness of the State services and drive change in how agencies operate and work together to achieve results for New Zealanders,” Mr Rennie said.

The Deputy State Services Commissioner carries out the duties and responsibilities of the State Services Commissioner when the Commissioner is not available.

Ms Power is currently Deputy Chief Executive, Service Delivery at the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). Service Delivery is the largest service arm of MSD, which is the largest government agency in New Zealand.

As Deputy Chief Executive, Service Delivery Ms Power oversees around 6,000 staff in over 240 locations throughout New Zealand, providing services to over 1.1 million people and administering $20 billion in financial assistance payments.

“Debbie’s experience in frontline service delivery and change management will stand her in good stead to support better public services and understand the ‘on the ground’ challenges Public Servants face,” says Mr Rennie.

Ms Power takes up her role on 15 June 2015.

She will replace Sandi Beatie who retires on 30 April after a distinguished Public Service career. Ms Beatie has served in senior roles in both central and local government, including as Deputy Chief Executive in both the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Corrections.

“I would like to thank Sandi for her work serving New Zealanders and wish her the very best for the future,” said Mr Rennie.

Andrew Hampton has been appointed as Deputy State Services Commissioner on a temporary basis from 1 May 2015 until Ms Power takes up the role.

Mr Hampton is currently Government Chief Talent Officer at the State Services Commission. He was previously Deputy Secretary and Director of the Secretary’s office at the Ministry of Education. He has also held senior roles within Crown Law, Ministry of Justice and the Office of Treaty Settlements.

The Deputy State Services Commissioner is a statutory officer appointed by the Governor-General by Order in Council on the recommendation of the Prime Minister under section 12 of the State Sector Act 1988.

ENDS

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