Cannan: I’m Sorry for How Dr Ranson Was Treated

The Chief Minister has apologised to Dr Rosalind Ranson for her treatment at the hands of the Manx gov.

Alf Cannan made a statement to Keys this morning in which he addressed the decision of a tribunal to award Dr Ranson £3.2m for her unfair dismissal from gov and her treatment since.

Mr Cannan said that ‘the findings of the tribunal in May 2022 in their Liability Judgement and the subsequent award are of deep concern and I apologise again to Dr Ranson’.

Speaking of the tribunal, he said: ‘Regrettably, it did not reflect well on the professionalism of our public service irrespective of the fact that the core actions that laid the foundations of this tribunal happened during a period of national crisis.

‘I was clear that the Liability Judgement had raised a number of substantive questions regarding Government performance and culture and had understandably damaged confidence in Government. I was clear about our deep discomfort that we felt with the evidence and findings of the tribunal as set out in the Liability Judgement, and I acknowledge our shortcomings.

‘I was clear that we needed to make changes to Government – structural changes, cultural changes and organisational changes because we cannot retain the status quo. We have been taking action over the past twelve months to effect that and to deliver meaningful changes.’

Reflecting on the 12 months that have passed since his last statement, he added: ‘I feel therefore today it is entirely appropriate for me to go further and express not only my deep regret that Dr Ranson was subjected to such unprofessional and damaging behaviours whilst in post as the Medical Director, but to offer my deepest apologies for the harm she has experienced – which the Tribunal has recognised in their Liability Judgement and has reflected in the compensation award now made in the Quantum Judgement.

‘Mr Speaker, Dr Ranson in her statement said that this must not be the end.  I entirely agree. In fact the striving to reach excellence in governance, management, performance and productivity must always continue and, as I have said, there are various initiatives which have been put in place following the liability hearing last May and which continue.  There are a number of ways in which now this must continue to be accomplished.

‘Firstly, the root causes of this matter were laid in the heat of the battle against COVID. When I spoke last May, I quoted the Tribunal’s words which were that:

‘This Decision is not an investigation…[in any way to] which the Manx Government handled the Covid 19 pandemic.

‘As Honourable Members will know that Review is now well underway and is being conducted entirely independently by Kate Brunner KC, who has full access to all records and is also taking evidence from those who were directly involved as well as seeking submissions from members of the public. Ms Brunner is due to report her conclusions and identify any recommendations for consideration to Tynwald by 31 December 2023.

‘The advice and the authority of Dr Ranson, the flow of information, access to Ministers, the command and management structures in place must now be matters for the COVID enquiry and Kate Brunner KC. It is not for me or anyone else to tell Ms Brunner how to conduct her enquiry but I point out that the Tynwald approved Terms of Reference for the Review provide that if at any time the independent Chair considers that a specific area should be subject to a more formal public inquiry, the Chair may make such a recommendation to Tynwald in their report.

‘Secondly Mr Speaker questions have been raised regarding the approach to the litigation, in relation to which there has been a significant amount of criticism, reporting and speculation. 

‘Mr Speaker, it is vital that the public have confidence in the manner in which Government conducts itself when facing judicial challenge. It must have confidence that Government is conducting itself properly and with appropriate advice and decision making.  

‘The Council of Ministers recognises that this matter needs to be addressed but also recognises that this is not a straightforward matter.  It is an area which requires specialist legal knowledge. I can therefore inform you today that the Council of Ministers intends to recommend to Tynwald that a further independent assessment needs to be undertaken the Department’s management of the Tribunal process and that an appropriate independent senior member of the Bar is most likely needed to undertake this work. It is clear that the majority of the tribunals criticisms focus on the conduct of the Department during the liability hearing and this will need to be the key focus of any inquiry.

‘Thirdly Mr Speaker, we must ensure that our public service works to the highest standards of governance and integrity. We must have governance that ensures we do not rely solely single individuals, at senior levels, to such a degree where they could become a point of failure. All of our public servants are entitled to a working environment where accountability and mutual respect co-exist. I set out a clear Council of Ministers response to improve governance and culture last year. We remain committed to improving governance and culture throughout the public sector.

‘Mr Speaker the findings of the Tribunal in May 2022 in their Liability Judgement and the subsequent award are of deep concern and I apologise again to Dr Ranson. This is not the end of the matter and we must all continue the work underway to improve governance, performance and culture and of course strive to nurture and protect our greatest asset; our people.’