A major reshuffle in the civil service will see at least three top civil servants move posts, The Royal Gazette has learned.

Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Derrick Binns will replace Russell Wade at Works and Engineering who in turn will replace Brian Rowlinson at Environment.

Mr. Rowlinson will be moved to Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety but it was not clear what would happen to current incumbent Robert Horton.

One senior civil service source said the move will probably be officially announced this week when civil service Head Stanley Oliver returns to the Island.

The source said he didn't know why the move had been planned all though he denied radio reports that protests were planned.

He said: “It's part of the job description for a Permanent Secretary that you can be moved. It is a managerial rather than a technical post.”

Last night, Works and Engineering Minister Alex Scott was asked about the reshuffle.

He said: “That's the rumour. If it proves to be the case I shall be sad to see Russell Wade go.

“Not only is he an extremely capable professional, but he's been very supportive. We have worked without a hitch.

“It would be a loss but that is not a comment on who might be coming in.

“Dr. Binns has a good reputation and will probably be another very capable professional if he does come to Works and Engineering.

“We haven't been officially informed but we have a sense there is going to be a change.”

He said an official announcement would probably come via Civil Service head Stanley Oliver or the Premier, Jennifer Smith.

“I don't know why it's being done. I would hazard a guess.

“I know the overall approach to the Civil Service is to give each Permanent Secretary the widest possible experience to prepare them so they have a very good handle of most of the ministries and management functions of Government should the call come from on high.”

Mr. Scott admitted he would have to start from scratch with the new permanent secretary.

He said: “We certainly will have to change gear. I think it's equally educational for the minister.

“We learn to manage with other professionals. We don't get into a comfortable rut.”

Mr. Scott said he didn't anticipate being moved but if he was given another ministry he would be better able to cope with the change because of the experience of working with others.

He said banks and corporate structures often moved people around.

He said: “It's a modern approach to Government and the civil service to make sure folks had the experience of working with a wide range of capacities with other individuals.”