A ministerial system
St Helena is a British Overseas Territory with its own constitution. Since 2021 the island has operated a ministerial system of government, in which elected members hold portfolios and take responsibility for policy in their areas.
The Governor, appointed by His Majesty The King, represents the Crown and retains responsibility for external affairs, defence, internal security and the public service.
Councils
Legislative Council is made up of twelve elected members and scrutinises and passes legislation, approves the budget and holds ministers to account.
Executive Council comprises the Chief Minister, ministers and the Governor, and is the principal decision-making body for island policy.
Committees cover public accounts, standards, and scrutiny of individual portfolios. Council papers and minutes are published for the public record.
Ministerial portfolios
Treasury, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development
Public finance, roads, ports, energy, housing and economic development.
Health and Social Care
The General Hospital, community clinics, safeguarding and adult social care.
Education, Skills and Employment
Schools, early years, vocational training and the employment service.
Environment, Natural Resources and Planning
Conservation, agriculture, fisheries policy, planning and land management.
Safety, Security and Home Affairs
Police, immigration, prison, fire and rescue, and civil registration.
Consultations and publications
SHG publishes policy documents, situational analyses and consultation papers so that residents can take part in decisions before they are made. The most recent example is the published summary of the Fishery Industry Situational Analysis, ahead of public consultation.