A senior Isle of Man civil servant is set to play a pivotal role in the constitutional development of another island nation.

Colin Kniveton Chief Executive Officer at the Department of Economic Development is being seconded to Sark, the smallest of the four Channel Islands, to help establish a modern, democratic system of government.

The role has been created in the wake of a report by the UK Ministry of Justice former Information Director Belinda Crowe, which recommended that a civil service be established in Sark.

During a 14 year career in the Manx civil service, Mr Kniveton has held the role of Chief Executive at the former Departments of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Tourism and Leisure.

He said his experience in helping the Isle of Man preserve its unique identity and culture during a period of considerable constitutional change in recent years, will be very relevant in Sark.

During his spell in Sark, Mr Kniveton will be replaced by Chirs Corlett, the current CEO at the Department of Social Care.

Yvette Mellor, Director of Corporate Services and Social Security will replace Mr Corlett at the DSC.

Mr Kniveton's secondment begins on 1st November for an initial four months. His appointment as been described by government here as demonstration of the Isle of Man's commitment to international development.