Wednesday 19 February 2025
General Update
Sir, I am grateful for this opportunity to provide an update on the work and priorities of the States' Assembly & Constitution Committee.
Once again, the Committee has had a busy year. Having approved the new appeals system for any Member or complainant unhappy with the with outcome of a review by the Commissioner for Standards, I am pleased to report that this has now been tested satisfactorily, with the Deputy Commissioner for Standards having reviewed an appeal.
Last year, in the course of dealing with an issue the Commissioner recommended that the sanction of an apology should be added to the Code of Conduct for breaches which are considered to be 'beyond the minor'. The Committee has reviewed this request and is taking advice in order to finalise proposals in this respect so that a policy letter can be brought to the new Assembly, early in the political term.
As I am sure you can appreciate, as we approach the General Election in June, more work has arisen, in terms of amending the Reform Law, which has covered matters such as key dates, expenditure limits and polling stations.
In April, the Committee was pleased to launch the Election 2025 website, following two successful 'meet and greet' events held for people thinking of putting themselves forward for election. Another priority relating to the election has been the introduction of a seven -week course for prospective candidates to give an introduction to the States, for those who are aspiring to stand. I am pleased to report that the course has been well received with an average of 40 attendees each week, and each session engendering lively debate.
A further piece of work has been to review the Induction and ongoing courses offered to all Members. The Committee is grateful to those Members who completed our recent survey. Consideration will be given to Member's views as the Committee devises a programme of courses, not only for the Induction of new elected Deputies but also to offer ongoing continuous development throughout the new political term. The intention is to make the programme available prior to the election, so prospective candidates can see the support they will receive, should they be successful in being elected.
Finally, Sir, the Committee is under several States' resolutions, namely, the Commonwealth (Latimer House) Principles, investigation of an independent election body and the Government Reform Requête. Whilst most of this work will be undertaken by the new Committee, in the next political term, the Committee is pleased to report that a Latimer House working party has recently been formed, and we hope to be able to hold our first meeting next month, so work can commence before the end of this political term. In addition, the Committee has devised a schedule of work to progress the Government Reform Requête.
In conclusion, Sir, I believe that the Committee has achieved a great deal in the twelve months since my last update statement, particularly as it operates with very limited resources and budget, and I would be happy to take any questions that my colleagues may have.