Bermuda’s health watchdog has started the search for its next chief executive.

The Bermuda Health Council has invited applications for consideration for the role of chief executive. And the regulatory body is also on the hunt for a health economist.

Ricky Brathwaite has served as acting chief executive since December.

He joined BHeC as programme manager for health economics in 2014 and later became director of health economics.

Dr Brathwaite was made acting CEO of the regulatory body after former chief executive Tawanna Wedderburn was fired.

He did not respond to questions about the job postings by press time yesterday.

Advertisements of the posts were published last week.

The council said that the role of chief executive was appointed by the BHeC board and reports to the board through the chairman.

It added: “The CEO recommends and participates in the formation and revision of policies and programmes by the council and is responsible for implementing and directing, through effective leadership of staff and operational supports, the policies and programmes approved by the board, in accordance with the council’s strategic goals as determined by the board.

“The CEO is responsible for the successful management of the organisation to meet the goals and objectives as set out by the board.”

The successful applicant will, among other responsibilities, be required to oversee day-to-day operations, communicate with the health ministry as well as other community and stakeholder groups, and lead the recruitment, hiring, training and termination of staff.

The person will hold a master’s degree in the healthcare or management field, as well as a minimum of ten years’ post-qualification experience in a manager or director’s post.

Business and management experience, experience with the development of public health policy, and experience with a regulatory organisation are considered assets.

The health economist “provides advisement and guidance ... on health system costs, opportunities for efficiency, implications of system change, and the forecast of demand within the healthcare system”.

The job description adds: “The health economist collaborates with local and international partners on research in the areas of health economics, profits and loss, insurance market dynamics and consumer preferences — working towards a more affordable health system that will produce more healthy lives to help grow Bermuda’s economy.”

The successful applicant will be responsible to develop and implement strategies, develop and execute projects and programmes, and monitor the status of programmes.

The successful candidate will hold a postgraduate degree in economics, finance or a field related to health economics and a minimum of seven years of post-qualification experience in the health system.

Ms Wedderburn revealed in March that she would take legal action over her termination which ended an 11-year career with BHeC.

Ms Wedderburn said that she had asked for judicial review proceedings against David Burt, the Premier, Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, her former employers and Alicia Stovell-Washington, the chairwoman of the council.

The health council was set up to regulate private health service providers, ensure the provision of essential health services and to promote good health.

The BHeC told The Royal Gazette its policy is not to respond or discuss HR matters or personnel issues.

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