Privileges and Procedures Committee Legacy Report 2022-2026

REPORT

Introduction

The Privileges and Procedures Committee (PPC) is responsible for the procedures

of the States Assembly, for States Members' facilities and for the Code of Conduct

for Members. The Committee consists of the Chair and three elected  Members who are not Ministers or Assistant Ministers, two elected  Members who are Ministers or Assistant Ministers and one elected Member who is a Member of the Scrutiny Liaison Committee.

A list of the Committee membership through the 2022-2026 term of office is included in Appendix 1.  

The Committee's Terms of Reference are agreed by the States Assembly and are set out in Standing Order 128. A full copy of the Terms of Reference has been included as Appendix 2. This legacy report provides a summary of the work undertaken against those Terms of Reference and presents recommendations for the new Committee to consider upon its appointment following the elections of June 2026.

A list of the Committee's publications to the States Assembly during the term has been included as Appendix 3 to this report.

Work during the 2022-2026 Term

Review the composition, practices and procedures of the States as Jersey's legislature and bring forward for approval amendments as appropriate

Further to the Assembly's agreement that the role of Senator should be re - introduced, the Committee brought forward the requisite amendments to the States of Jersey Law 2005 for debate by the Assembly.

A number of amendments to Standing Orders were developed during the term,

with propositions lodged for consideration by the States Assembly.  They are listed within Appendix 3. Consideration was also given to the procedural basis for personal statements, with an agreement that the Bailiff should issue guidance for elected Members.

In light of feedback on the e-petition system, the Committee undertook a review, including a public consultation. Following the review, the Committee agreed that significant changes to the system were not required and no amendments to Standing Orders were therefore sought.

The Committee agreed that, as a standing item at its meetings, it should consider forthcoming business to be debated by the States Assembly in order to determine whether any amendments or comments should be pursued.

Review the rules for enfranchisement and for the conduct of elections and to bring forward for approval amendments as considered

Changes to the Elections Law were pursued by the Committee to allow for Automatic  Voter  Registration  and  to  extend  the  franchise  by  reducing  the residency qualification from 2 years to 1 year (prior to an election).

Submission of proposed amounts to be appropriated under a government plan in relation to the States Greffe and ensure the budget of the States is utilised in the most effective and cost-effective manner possible

Submissions were provided for the Government Plans (Budgets) of 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026.  

Provision of accommodation, services and facilities for members of the States and bring forward for approval recommendations for improvement

23 Hill Street (next to Morier House) was set aside  as office space  for use by Members acting in an independent capacity.  This was developed in light of the relative lack of office space in the States Building and a number of Members have used the new facility on a regular basis.

In 2024, the Constituency Support Team of the States Greffe was introduced in to address  an  identified  need  for  greater  support  for  Members  with  their constituency work. A Sub-Committee was established to inform the development

of the service.

The Committee undertook significant work to develop the professional support available to elected States Members. In particular, the Negotiating for Better Success in Politics' course was implemented in partnership with The Resolution Centre and Queen Margaret University. The course will be offered once more in the new term. The Committee also agreed to introduce provision for counselling and coaching that could be accessed by elected States Members.

The Committee agreed a new policy for the provision of IT to elected Members, whereby  Members  could  choose  from  June  2026  whether  to  receive  a Government-issued laptop or to access a grant to purchase a laptop of their choosing.

Liaise  with  any  person  or  body  directed  by  the  States  to  review  the remuneration and expenses of elected Members

In  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  States  of  Jersey  Law  2005,  the Committee convened a recruitment panel for the appointment of the States Members'  Remuneration  Reviewer  –  and  subsequently  recommended  the appointment of the Reviewer to the Assembly.  The Reviewer's determination in respect of States Members' remuneration was presented to the States in October 2023.

A new Remuneration Reviewer will need to be appointed by the new Committee for the 2026 term.

Enforcement of the code of conduct for members of the States and promote high standards amongst members of the States

The Committee drafted a revised  Code of Conduct for Elected States Members and lodged the draft for debate by the Assembly; it was adopted on 3rd February 2026.

Safeguarding Guidance for elected States Members was  also  developed and circulated by the Committee.  Furthermore, prior to the end of the term, the Committee lodged for a debate a Risk-Based Exclusion Policy that would apply in the event that an elected Member was charged with a serious crime.

Responsible for the provision of information to the public about the work of the States, the scrutiny panels, and the PAC

Work on this matter was delegated to the Political Awareness and Education Sub - Committee (see below).

Keep under review the procedures relating to access to information for elected Members

There were no developments in this area. During the term, Standing Orders were amended  to  remove  responsibility  for  Freedom  of  Information  from  the Committee's Terms of Reference (as administration of the relevant Law is a Government matter led by the Chief Minister).

Produce, in consultation with the Bailiff , the scrutiny liaison committee and the Greffier, an annual report on the work of the States

Annual Reports for 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 were all prepared and presented to the States Assembly.

Establish sub-committees

Amendments to Standing Orders were adopted to require  PPC to establish the following Sub-Committees –

• Diversity Forum Sub-Committee

• Machinery of Government Sub-Committee

• Political Awareness and Education Sub-Committee

The Terms of Reference for these Sub-Committees were defined in Standing Orders. Each  Sub-Committee  has  prepared  a  legacy  report  that  has  been appended to this one.

In addition, the Committee established the Pensions Sub-Committee to oversee the pension schemed established for elected States Members.

Develop and maintain a States decision tracker

This requirement was introduced following an amendment to Standing Orders. The States Assembly Decision Tracker is maintained by the States Greffe and is updated on a quarterly basis on the States Assembly website.

Oversight of Independent Bodies

In addition to its Terms of Reference, the Committee has other responsibilities set out in legislation. In particular, it is responsible for the recruitment, appointment and parliamentary oversight of a number of independent bodies. In that regard, appointments took place during the 2022-2026 term to the following bodies –

• Commissioner for Standards

• Referendum Commission

• States of Jersey Complaints Panel

• States Members' Remuneration Reviewer

Reports from all of these bodies were presented to the Assembly as required by the relevant Laws.

Suggestions for Future Work

There are a number of procedural and legal obligations that will guide the new Committee's work. However, from the work undertaken during the 2022-2026 term, the Committee suggests that its successor  also  pick up on the following matters –

1. Review of Breaches of the Code of Conduct

In  November  2025,  the  Assembly  adopted  Breaches  of  the  Code  of Conduct: Review of Standing Orders' (P.101/2025), as amended. There is consequently an obligation on PPC to report to the States by the end of 2026.   The  Committee  agreed  terms  of  reference  for  a  review  to  be continued by its successor, through which consideration would be given to

the complaints process; the sanctions available to the Assembly in the event of a breach of the Code of Conduct; and whether recall elections should be introduced.

2. Review of election legislation

Following the elections of June 2026, reports will be received from the Jersey Electoral  Authority  and  the  Election  Observation  Mission  from  the Commonwealth  Parliamentary  Association. There  will  be  a  need  to

consider any recommendations from these reports, including in respect of the Island's elections legislation. Furthermore, the Committee has agreed that a review of the time limits set by legislation for alleged offences under the Law should be reviewed (for example, in respect of expenses fraud).

3. Review of Standing Orders

Although ad hoc amendments to Standing Orders have been progressed as and when required, the Committee is aware that a comprehensive review of Standing Orders, the Assembly's rules, has not been undertaken for some time. The Committee therefore recommends that its successor consider implementing and undertaking such a review.

4. Selection of an elected Member to preside at States Meetings

Deputy I.J. Gorst of St. Mary , St. Ouen and St. Peter lodged a proposition which,  although  ultimately  withdrawn,  sought  the  establishment  of arrangements  whereby  an  elected  Member  would  always  preside  over meetings of the States Assembly in the absence of the Bailiff and Deputy Bailiff .

The Committee agreed there was merit in the principle of Deputy Gorst 's proposition, although it did not agree with the detail. Consideration was therefore given to a draft proposition to put in place arrangements and there was engagement with the Bailiff on how those arrangements would work. There was insufficient time to complete this  work and the Committee agreed it was a matter for the next term.

5. Remote Participation

Remote participation in States Meetings was agreed in 2020 in light of the Covid-19 Pandemic and was codified with the adoption of Standing Order 55A. However, one element of the Standing Order remains disapplied and there is a need to address this gap in the Assembly's procedures. Two propositions to that end were lodged during the 2022-2026 term but both were subject to a reference back to the Committee. It is therefore a matter which the next Committee will need to address.

6. Government Engagement with PPC on draft legislation

The  Committee  agreed  to  consider  forthcoming  business  at  States Meetings, in order to identify whether to lodge any amendments or to present any comments. This highlighted occasions on which there had not been  consultation  with  the  Committee  even  when  draft  legislation  for debate would impact on the operation and procedures of the Assembly. The Chair wrote to the Chief Minister to ask that this be addressed in future; the Committee recommends that its successor monitor the situation.

7. Publication of Members' information

During the 2022-2026 term, a new website was launched for the States Assembly. There were a number of discussions regarding the information about elected States Members that should be published on each Member's page. Those discussions did not reach fruition and there is scope for the next Committee to return to the matter.

8. States Members' Data Protection obligations

The Committee received an approach from Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade regarding the support offered to elected States Members in respect of their responsibilities  under  the  Data  Protection  (Jersey)  Law  2018.   The Committee agreed advice and guidance on this matter should be included in the induction programme after the elections of June 2026 in order that the available support might be enhanced.

9. Use of the States Building

The States Building is part of a shared complex in which both the Assembly and the Royal Court operate. The Committee is aware that the building was not initially designed with the volume of parliamentary and judicial business that now occurs. However, there were pressures during the term on the space available and the Committee engaged a number of times with the Bailiff 's Chambers and the judicial departments. This is a matter which the Committee considers its successor will need to revisit.

10. Registration of Political Groups

On 22nd January 2026, the Assembly adopted Registration of Political Groups' (P.115/2025), Paragraph (b) of which required PPC, in consultation with the Jersey Electoral Authority, to bring forward legislative changes before the end of January 2028 that would require political groups to register under the Political Parties (Registration) (Jersey) Law 2008. This is an action which the Committee's successor will need to pursue.

11. Declarations of Interest

The Committee has noted that declarations of interest by elected Members (when to make a declaration and what constitutes a conflict of interest) remain  an  area  of  potential  confusion  including  when  Members  are connected to certain Charities and outside organisations. Notwithstanding the provisions of Standing Order 106 and the guidance issued by the Bailiff on its application, the Committee recommends that its successor work with the Bailiff to ensure there is clarity for all elected Members on this subject.

Appendix 1  – Privileges and Procedures  Committee Membership

Following the elections to the States Assembly of June 2022, the Committee was constituted as follows –

Connétable K. Shenton-Stone of St. Martin , Chair  Appointed on 12th July 2022 Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat of St. Helier North , Vice-Chair

Deputy L.J. Farnham of St Mary, St Ouen and St Peter

Deputy C.S. Alves of St. Helier Central  Appointed on 19th July 2022 Deputy M.R. Ferey of St Saviour

Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson of St Mary, St Ouen and St Peter

Deputy L.V. Feltham of St Helier Central  Appointed on 20th September 2022

Following the change in the constitution of the Government of Jersey in January 2024, further appointments were necessary to replace Deputies Le Hegarat , Farnham , Feltham and Ferey , who were no longer Members –

Connétable M.K. Jackson of St. Brelade

Deputy S.M. Ahier of St. Helier North  Appointed on 27th February 2024 Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South

Deputy L.M.C. Doublet of St. Saviour  Appointed on 19th March 2024

Deputy C.S. Alves of St. Helier Central served as Vice-Chair on the reconstituted Panel.

On 25th June 2025, the Connétable of St. Martin resigned as Chair, after which the Committee was reconstituted as follows –

Deputy S.M. Ahier of St. Helier North , Chair  Appointed on 8th July 2025

Deputy C.S. Alves of St. Helier Central , Vice-Chair

Deputy M. Tadier of St. Brelade

Deputy K.L. Moore of St. Mary , St. Ouen and St. Peter  Appointed on 9th July 2025 Deputy T.A. Coles of St. Helier South

Deputy L.K.F. Stephenson of St. Mary , St. Ouen and St Peter

Deputy M.R. Ferey of St. Saviour

Appendix 2 – PPC's Terms of Reference

The terms of reference of the PPC are –

1. to keep under review the composition, the practices and the procedures of the States as Jersey's legislature and bring forward for approval by the States  amendments  to  the  Law  and  standing  orders  as  considered appropriate;
2. to keep under review the rules for enfranchisement and for the conduct of elections and to bring forward for approval by the States amendments to the Public Elections (Jersey) Law 20021 as considered appropriate;
3. to be responsible, in accordance with Article 10(2)(b) of the Public Finances Law, for the submission of proposed amounts to be appropriated under a government plan in relation to the States Greffe for a financial year, and to ensure that the budget of the States is utilised in the most effective and cost-effective manner possible;
4. to  be  responsible  for  the  provision  of  accommodation,  services  and facilities for members of the States and to bring forward for approval, as appropriate, recommendations for improvements and changes to these facilities;
5. to liaise as necessary with any person or body directed by the States to review the remuneration and expenses of elected members on all matters relating  to  such  remuneration  and  expenses,  and  to  bring  forward  for approval, as necessary, proposals relating to the terms of reference of any such person or body or to the arrangements relating to the remuneration of elected members;
6. to take the necessary steps for the enforcement of the code of conduct for members of the States and in this context to promote high standards amongst members of the States and to champion and defend the privileges of members of the States;
7. to be responsible for the provision of information to the public about the work of the States, the scrutiny panels, and the PAC, and to keep these public information services under review;
8. to keep under review the procedures relating to access to information for elected members;
9. to produce, in consultation with the Bailiff , the scrutiny liaison committee and  the  Greffier,  an  annual  report  on  the  work  of  the  States  and  of committees and panels established by standing orders and present the report to the States;
10. to establish –

1. a sub-committee, the membership of which is representative of the diversity of the States Assembly –

1. to  ensure  that  the  Assembly's  framework  of  rules  and  the support and facilities available for States Members encourage the development of a diverse and inclusive Assembly;
2. to work to increase the diversity of candidates standing for election to the Assembly, by identifying and addressing the principal  barriers  to  achieving  diversity  and  providing candidates with assistance to stand;
3. to work with the Council of Ministers to promote and remove barriers to inclusion and equal opportunity for all;

2. a sub-committee, comprising at least two members of the States who are Ministers or Assistant Ministers, and at least two members of the States who are not Ministers or Assistant Ministers –

1. to keep under review the machinery of government;
2. to follow up on the implementation of recommendations of previous reviews of machinery of government; and
3. to report its findings and recommendations to PPC and Council of Ministers from time to time, in order for its report to be presented to the States; and

3. such other sub-committees as PPC sees fit in order to consider particular matters arising from the terms of reference.".

Appendix 3 – List of PPC's Publications to the States Assembly

The  following  publications  were  presented  to  the  States  Assembly  by  the Committee during this term of office –

Appendix 4  – Legacy Report of the Diversity Forum Sub-Committee

Introduction

In September 2022, the then Diversity Forum agreed terms of reference to help put into effect and provide focus to its work:

• The Diversity Forum is working towards the aim of the States Assembly fully reflecting the population of Jersey and representingall ofthe communities and interests in the Island. It aims to increase public engagement  in  democratic  processes,  particularly  in  relation  to under-represented groups.

• The  Diversity  Forum  is  a  Sub-Committee  of  the  Privileges  and Procedures Committee (PPC) and will assist PPC in ensuring that the support  and  facilities  available  for  States  Members,  and  the Assembly's  framework  of  rules,  encourage  the  development  of  a diverse and inclusive Assembly. The Diversity Forum will support PPC in its work to increase the diversity of candidates standing for election, to provide them with more assistance to stand, and in identifying and addressing the principal barriers to higher election turnout across the population; and it will support the Government to achieve its aim of removing  barriers  and  promoting  inclusion,  equity  and  equal opportunity for all.

• The Diversity Forum will take an evidence-based approach to its work, including benchmarking against international best practice.

In 2023, the Diversity Forum was formally established as a SubCommittee of the Privileges and Procedures Committee (PPC), through the adoption by the States of an amendment to Standing Orders, P.46/2023. PPC had lodged the proposition with provision for the Diversity Forum to be included following a specific request by the then Forum membership to ensure that a permanent Sub-Committee was established to work towards the aim of the States Assembly fully reflecting the population of Jersey and representingall ofthe communities and interests in the Island.

Standing Order 128 (j) establishes the Sub-Committee as follows:

(j)  to establish –

(i)  a Sub-Committee, the membership of which is representative of the

diversity of the States Assembly –

1. to  ensure  that  the  Assembly's  framework  of  rules  and  the support and facilities available for States Members encourage the development of a diverse and inclusive Assembly;

2. to work to increase the diversity of candidates standing for election to the Assembly, by identifying and addressing the principal  barriers  to  achieving  diversity  and  providing candidates with assistance to stand;
3. to work with the Council of Ministers to promote and remove barriers to inclusion and equal opportunity for all;

Following consideration in 2024, the earlier 2022 operational' terms of reference were updated and remain current as below:

• To ensure the rules of the States Assembly, and the facilities and support available to States Members, encourage the development of a diverse and inclusive Assembly;

• To work towards an increased diversity of candidates standing for election to the States Assembly and, to achieve this, to identify and address the principal barriers to achieving that diversity and to help candidates when standing; and

• To work with the Council of Ministers on the promotion of inclusion and equal opportunity for all and on the removal of barriers to achieving them.

Membership

November 2022 to January 2024

• Chair, Deputy Carina Alves

• Vice Chair, Deputy Moz Scott

• Connétable Karen Shenton-Stone

• Deputy Raluca Kovacs

• Deputy Inna Gardiner

• Deputy Louise Doublet

• Deputy Hilary Jeune

• Connétable Marcus Troy

• Connétable Mark Labey

• Deputy Max Andrews

• Deputy Philip Ozouf (From 4th November 2022 to 5th September 2023)

In January 2024, a successful vote of no confidence in the then Chief Minister led to the reconstitution of PPC and its Sub-Committees. The revised membership of the Forum after April 2025 is set out below:

• Chair, Deputy L. Stephenson

• Joint Vice-Chair, Deputy Louise Doublet

• Joint Vice-Chair, Deputy Hilary Jeune

• Deputy M. Ferey (Government representative from 3rd February 2025)

• Deputy Raluca Kovacs

• Deputy Helen Miles

• Deputy Inna Gardiner

• Connétable Marcus Troy  

• Deputy Philip Ozouf (From 9th September 2025)

Meetings

The Forum held its first meeting on 4th November 2022 and met a total of 24 times across its iterations. It has welcomed a number of invited attendees to provide updates and insights into matters within its remit, such as:

• Dr Jessica C. Smith – author of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

- Effective and Inclusive Parliaments in relation to its work on gender sensitive parliaments

• The Chief Statistician regarding sex disaggregated data in relation to its work on Diversion, Equity and Inclusion

• Vic Tanner and Kaye Nicholson from Liberate Jersey to discuss building diversity for voters and engaging with politics in addition to rebuilding trust with government for marginalised communities within Jersey

• Kate Wright, Chair of FREEDA (Free from Domestic Abuse) and founder of the Diversity Network, and Lynne Cleary, Chair of Women for Politics (WFP), in connection with the upcoming work of WFP with regard to the diversity of recruitment within States-owned bodies and Arm's Length Organisations (ALOs)

• The Property Maintenance team of Jersey Property Holdings regarding ongoing issues on accessibility within the States Building

• Suzanne Day from Enable Jersey regarding accessibility issues in the States  Assembly  Building  and  arrangements  for  prospective  election candidates in the lead up to the public election in 2026

Government Representative on the Sub-Committee  

From November 2022 to January 2024, Deputy Doublet and Deputy Jeune worked as  Assistant  Ministers  with  specific  responsibilities  for  Diversity,  Equity  and Inclusion  (DEI)  in  Government.   The  Sub-Committee  has  always  had  clear representation from Government and at its meeting on 3rd October 2024, it noted correspondence in which it was acknowledged that Deputy Malcolm Ferey had been nominated to the Diversity Forum as the new Government representative.

The Sub-Committee also noted that Deputy Carina Alves had been delegated responsibility for DEI. Deputy Ferey joined the Sub-Committee on 3rd February 2025 and has provided regular updates on the Government of Jersey DEI at each meeting. The Sub-Committee recommend that these updates be continued and

the Government representative for DEI continue to form part of the next Sub - Committee.

Summary of output/work undertaken November 2022 to January 2024.

Government of Jersey equality duty

Communication with the Chief Minister requesting an update on the 100 Day Plan and Ministerial Plans committed to a range of new actions including

• new guidance and training

• systematic equality and diversity monitoring

• new Participation Standards

• Children's Rights Impact Assessments

• Older Persons Living Forum

• new Policy Submissions Template

• representative staff groups

• overarching Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy

Letter to President of the Scrutiny Liaison Committee (SLC) regarding gender balance

The  Sub-Committee  engaged  in  correspondence  with  the  Scrutiny  Liaison Committee  (SLC)  regarding  gender  diversity  and  balance  asking  that  it  be incorporated into the induction programme and associated guidance issued to all members at the start of a term of office. It also asked that further consideration be given to the matter being referenced in the Scrutiny and PAC Proceedings:

Code of Practice. This was being considered by the SLC of the time, however, a decision had not been made at the time of the reconstitution of the SLC and the Sub-Committee.  

Gender Pay Breakdown

The Sub-Committee presented comments to P.31-2023 - Breakdown of Gender Pay (presented by PPC on behalf of the Sub-Committee) regarding a proposition that requested the States Employment Board to publish annually a breakdown of gender  pay  relative  to  salary  bands  for  each  Government  department.  The comments were in favour of the  proposition which was adopted on 14th June 2023. In addition to the Comments, an  amendment to the Proposition was brought by the Council of Ministers which requested that the Council of Ministers should encourage all Arm's Length Organisations and Specified Organisations (as defined in the Public Finances (Jersey) Law 2019) to publish their gender pay and income ratio information in a transparent manner as soon as practicable. The amendment was adopted.

April 2024 to March 2026 Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

The Sub-Committee continued to work on the recommendations outlined in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association's (CPA) Gender Sensitive Parliament Self-Assessment report, which had been completed following an internal Gender Audit undertaken by the Sub-Committee, as previously constituted, in 2019.

These  recommendations  were  complex  and  a  comprehensive  list  of recommendations were outlined in the report. The Sub-Committee broke down each recommendation and considered the necessary ownership of each action, delegating each accordingly to the relevant Committee and/or Panel. At the time of  drafting  this  report,  the  majority  of  these  recommendations  had  been completed,  however,  the  Sub-Committee  would  recommend  that  any outstanding recommendations are followed up by the incoming Sub-Committee as part of its ongoing work programme.

Examples of the completed recommendations can be found below:

1. Establishment of a family room

The report suggested the establishment of a designated family room, equipped to meet  caregiving  needs  within  the  States  Assembly.  Arrangements  for  the finalisation of this room are ongoing, and the Sub-Committee would recommend this is followed up by the incoming Sub-Committee.  

2. Diversity amongst Connétable s

Under recommendation number one of the report, the Sub-Committee supported the inclusion of unconscious bias training in the 2026 post-Election induction

training  schedule  for  all  States  Members.  This  will  be  included  within  the upcoming induction pack for all new members.

3. Establishment of a Women's Parliamentary Caucus (WPC)

The  report  recommended  that  interested  members  complete  the  CPA Parliamentary Academy course on Effective Women's Parliamentary Caucuses' prior to the end of the term, with a view to establishing a Jersey WPC. Having completed the course and establishing  relevant terms of reference, the Sub - Committee gained approval from the PPC to establish a WPC with the launch event taking place on 5th March 2026 following funding from the Commonwealth Women's Parliament (CWP).

It is strongly recommended that the next Sub-Committee carry out the work required for the WPC to grow and become part of the working parliament for all women.   Links  with  women  parliamentarians  in  Guernsey  could  also  be considered. In addition, the CWP have asked that In line with the application, the Branch  is  required  to  provide  a  Summary  Report  (1  month  post  project completion) and an Impact Report (6 months post-completion) of the project. This is for monitoring and evaluation purposes and to ensure there is long-term impact of initiatives being undertaken'.

Commonwealth  Parliamentary  Association's  (CPA)  British  Islands  and Mediterranean Region (BIMR) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Plus (LGBTQ+) Parliamentarians' network (the Network)

Deputy Doublet attended the 54th British Islands and Mediterranean Regional Conference on 17th June 2025 in Cardiff, hosted by the Senedd Branch of the CPA. During the conference delegates had been advised of the launch of the LGBTQ+  Network,  which  marked  a  pivotal  moment  in  the  advancement  of inclusion and representation of LGBTQ+ parliamentarians. Members were invited to join, should they wish and Deputy Doublet became a member of the network and has provided the Sub-Committee with regular updates on the  network's workstreams.

Accessibility of the States Building

The Sub-Committee received a States Chamber Access Audit Report' which had been undertaken in 2018 together with an  Accessibility Audit of the States Building' which had been commissioned by Liberate in 2020. The Sub-Committee held several meetings with Jersey Property Holdings (JPH) to receive an update on both reports and the status of the work regarding accessibility and alterations for disabled individuals.

Despite alterations, such as the installation of ramps, accessible toilets and the provision  of  live-streamed  debates,  the  usability  of  the  States  Building  for disabled  individuals  continues  to  remain  an  issue.  JPH's  annual  budget  for projects across its building portfolio is limited with other areas, such as schools, given priority.

The  Sub-Committee  is  concerned  that  barriers  regarding  access  may  deter disabled Islanders from standing for election which, in turn, would have a negative effect on the diversity of the States Assembly.

Fire drill practices had also since taken place during States Assembly meetings and entry and exit restrictions and restricted access areas had been established when protests took place in the Royal Square.

The Sub-Committee recommends that these discussions continue with JPH to ensure that there is disability access within the States Building and it is accessible to all. In particular, the Sub-Committee requests that the following accessibility recommendations are monitored

• lighting amendments to the building are consulted upon with relevant parties;

• walk-throughs of the building are attended by those in the community, such as Enable Jersey members;

• adequate  restroom  facilities  are  provided  in  close  proximity  to  the Chamber; and

• lifts are updated and maintained to ensure accessibility.

It is recommended that the Sub-Committee should seek to be kept apprised of ongoing work in the States Building by the Building Users Steering Group and to receive regular updates from Jersey Property Holdings. In addition, following the 2026 public elections, all incoming Members should to be surveyed regarding the accessibility of the building and to ensure that it is fit for purpose.

The Sub-Committee understands that there are potential funding opportunities from  the  Commonwealth  Parliamentary  Association  available  to  conduct an updated accessibility audit in the States Building and recommends that this is investigated.

Treating Children as Children (P.14/2026): Comments

The  Sub-Committee  presented  comments  in  relation  to  the  proposition P.14/2026 Treating Children as Children which was lodged by Deputy Bailhache . The proposition sought the replacement of the existing Trans Inclusion Guidance, (Non-statutory  guidance  for  Children,  Young  People,  Education  and  Skills (CYPES) including schools and educational settings in Jersey)' with a document entitled  Treating  Children  as  Children:  a  safeguarding  approach  to  trans - identifying children and adolescents in Jersey schools', drafted by Ms. S. Davies - Arai.  The  Sub-Committee  did  not  support  the  replacement  of  the  existing guidance in schools and consequently the Sub-Committee urged Members to reject the proposition. The Comments were presented to the States Assembly on behalf  of  the  Sub-Committee  by  the  overarching  Privileges  and  Procedures

Committee. The proposition was debated by the States Assembly on 24th March 2026 and was defeated.

Suggestions for Future Work

In addition to suggestions established above, the Sub-Committee recommends that the following are considered as part of the incoming Sub-Committee's work programme:

Family Friendly Assembly

The  Sub-Committee  noted  that  concerns  had  been  raised  by  some  States Members regarding arrangements which had been made at the recent meeting of the States on Liberation Day and the absence of appropriate seating in Liberation Square for the dependents of Members. The Sub-Committee has written to the Bailiff and has asked that any records held by the Bailiff 's Chambers be updated to include details of dependent children of States Members to ensure that they were appropriately accommodated. The Sub Committee suggests that future iterations of the Sub-Committee continue to monitor this matter.

Counselling and Coaching Services for States Members

Recommendation number 25 of the CPA report sought the provision of coaching

and counselling services for elected Members and States Greffe staff. The Sub - Committee discussed these provisions and whilst there were concerns around the  accessibility  of his service  being offered  by  the  States  Greffe,  the Sub - Committee recommends that this matter be monitored by its future iterations. It should be noted that Sub-Committee is concerned that routing accessibility to these services via the States Greffe, rather than a fully independent' process, should be reconsidered as it considers this to be a potential barrier to Members seeking support.

Establishment of a Standalone Diversity Committee

Reflecting on P.46.2026 (see Introduction), the Sub-Committee has discussed the merits of establishing the Diversity Forum as a States Assembly Committee in its own right as opposed to being a Sub-Committee of PPC, noting the importance of focus, agility and the appropriate authority to act to positively influence the diversity of the States Assembly. It is recommended that the next membership of the Sub-Committee should consider this matter further.

Social Media Safety and AI

Due to the constantly evolving landscape of Social Media engagement and its impacts, the next Sub-Committee may wish to discuss procedures and safety on social media for all States Members with the next PPC. This should include training on how to manage negative publicity, trolling, cyber bullying and personal privacy exposure of States Members.

Appendix  5  –  Legacy  Report  of  the  Political Awareness and Education Sub-Committee

It  is  a  requirement  of  Standing  Orders  that  the  Privileges  and  Procedures Committee (PPC) must establish a Political Awareness and Education (PAE) Sub - Committee.

In January 2024, a vote of no confidence in the Chief Minister was approved by the States Assembly. Following this approval, the Government was reconstituted and a new PAE was appointed, with the Sub-Committee holding its first meeting on 25th April 2024. The Sub-Committee was reconstituted a second time following the resignation of the Chair of the Privileges and Procedures Committee in 2025.

Membership

November 2022 to January 2024

• Deputy Carina Alves , Chair

• Deputy Carolyn Labey , Vice Chair

• Connétable Mark Labey

• Deputy Rob Ward

• Deputy Inna Gardiner

• Deputy Raluca Kovacs

• Deputy Lucy Stephenson

• Deputy Max Andrews

April 2024 to April 2026

• Deputy Carina Alves , Chair

• Deputy Inna Gardiner , Vice Chair

• Deputy Carolyn Labey  

• Deputy Raluca Kovacs

• Deputy Montfort Tadier (until September 2025)

• Connétable Andy Jehan (from September 2024)

• Connétable Karen Shenton Stone (from September 2025)

• Deputy Karen Wilson (from October 2025)

This  report  incorporates  the  work  undertaken  by  all  iterations  of  the  Sub - Committee. It makes recommendations for the next Sub-Committee to consider

as part of its work.

The PAE Sub-Committee operates to the following Terms of Reference within Standing Orders –

1. to engage with the public about the work of the States Assembly and to work with other bodies seeking to engage and encourage the public's interest in politics;

2. to raise awareness amongst all Islanders of the entitlement and reasons to vote;
3. to identify training needs of individuals working with young people and other relevant professionals and to develop age-appropriate teaching materials;
4. to ensure information about the States Assembly is included within the induction programme for all new States' employees; and
5. to identify proposals and initiatives, in conjunction with other relevant stakeholders, that will further the sub-committee's work and to report its findings to PPC.

Work Undertaken by the Previous and Current Sub-Committee  

In addition to the workstreams it identified during the term of office, the PAE Sub - Committee  received  regular  updates  on  the  work  of  the  Digital  and  Public Engagement (D&PE) Section of the States Greffe, including campaigns, outreach and education. The work of the D&PE Section is guided by objectives in the following areas –

• Digital advancements, including social media engagement;

• Traditional media, ensuring increased coverage and improved accuracy in that coverage;

• Awareness-raising,  in  particular  of  the  difference  between  the  States Assembly and the Government of Jersey;

• Scrutiny, engaging Islanders in the work of Panels and the Public Accounts Committee;

• Active engagement, increasing knowledge and understanding amongst the population; and  

• Education, embedding politics in the curriculum.

Information was presented annually during the term on all these areas in the States Assembly's Annual Reports for 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

The following table indicates more specifically matters considered or monitored by the Sub-Committee –

Recommendations to be taken forward by the new Sub-Committee

Whilst the new Sub-Committee is under no obligation to carry on with the work undertaken by the previous Sub-Committee, and its work will be agreed by PPC, the  current  Sub-Committee  recommends  that  the  following  matters  be considered –

Appendix  6  –  Legacy  Report  of  the  Machinery  of Government Sub-Committee

In January 2024, a vote of no confidence was approved by the States Assembly for the Chief Minister. Following this approval, the Government was reconstituted and a new Machinery of Government Privileges and Procedures Sub-Committee (the Sub-Committee) was appointed with the Sub-Committee holding its first meeting on 26th April 2024. This report incorporates the work undertaken by the previous Sub-Committee and the existing.

The  Sub-Committee  was  established  by  the  Privileges  and  Procedures Committee (PPC) under Standing Order 128 to consider Jersey's system and structure of Government.

Terms of reference

The  Sub-Committee  must  comprise  at  least  two  States  Members  who  are Ministers or Assistant Ministers and at least two Members who are not Ministers or Assistant Ministers. The Sub-Committee's Terms of Reference are -

• To keep the Island's machinery of government under review;

• To  follow  up  on  the  recommendations  from  previous  reviews  of  the machinery of government; and

• To report its findings to the PPC and to the Council of Ministers.

Work Undertaken by the Previous Sub-Committee

DAGS Work Undertaken by Current Sub-Committee

Democratic Accountability and Governance Sub-Committee (DAGS)

In  February  2021,  the  PPC  established  the  Democratic  Accountability  and Governance  Sub-Committee  (DAGS)  in  order  to  review  Jersey's  system  of governance.

The Sub-Committee, at its first meeting in April 2024 reviewed the Machinery of Government position paper and noted the DAGS report recommendations (36 in total). The Sub-Committee agreed that these recommendations would continue

to be worked on.

Completed Recommendations

Introducing Role Profiles for Assembly Roles

• DAGS  found  that  the  absence  of  descriptions  for  roles,  particularly Assistant Minister roles, which can be very varied, acted as a barrier to women putting themselves forward. This recommendation was approved by PPC in 2025.

Ongoing Recommendations  Government Structure

• A Cabinet Office style function should be created which would merge the Ministerial  Support  Unit  and  the  Strategic  Policy,  Planning  and Performance Department.  

• It was noted that the Government of Jersey had combined the Chief Operating Office, the Office of the Chief Executive and Strategic Policy, Planning  and  Performance  (SPPP).  However,  concerns  noted  as  to whether this implementation was what the recommendation envisaged. It was agreed to keep this matter under review.

• Recommendation 35 of the DAGS Report states

Consideration should be given to the role of the Chief Executive and whether there are too many powers invested in only one individual. If a Cabinet Office is established, the Head of the Cabinet Office could be responsible for providing advice to the Council of Ministers, and the Chief Executive to account to them for delivery policy initiatives.

Accountability within Government

• The Council of Ministers should always have a clear programme of work in line with the Common Strategic Policy (CSP).

• Following review of this issue, the Sub-Committee agreed that it may be better for the policy pipeline to be reviewed and monitored under the Scrutiny remit.

Training and Development

• Improvements to the induction process were being made by the States Greffe ahead of the 2026 election. It was agreed that essential information should be relayed at later dates after the induction period and was further agreed that this would be discussed by PPC.

Legislative Scrutiny

• The Comptroller and Auditor General Governance – A Thinkpiece' report (R.153/2019) outlined a series of recommendations for enhancing the scrutiny process of Government, including the establishment of clear principles  for  the  preparation  of  green  and  white  papers.  The  Sub - Committee acknowledged confusion still stood around the process  for second and third readings of legislative changes in the States Assembly

and requested that a briefing paper providing clarification of the process

be prepared for all Members.

• A briefing paper for all Members to be produced by the States Greffe  - Ongoing matter possibility for post 2026 election.

Work Completed

Amendment to Standing Orders

• Following  the  adoption  of  proposition  Vote  of  no  confidence:  Chief Minister (P.1/2024), it had become apparent that some challenges existed regarding the practical application of the existing Standing Orders in the context of the timescales and deadlines involved. The Sub-Committee, in

line  with  the  main  PPC,  lodged  proposition   Timeline  for  Ministerial Appointments  (P.80/2024),  to  amend  Standing  Orders  113  and  115 Standing Time for selection of Chief Minister and Ministers other than following  ordinary  election  (including  the  death  of  a  standing  Chief Minister).   This  proposition  was  adopted  and  the  changes  were implemented accordingly.

Lobbying Guidance and Engagement Code for Elected Members of the States

• Following work by the Sub-Committee, PPC lodged proposition Lobbying Guidance  and  Engagement  Code  for  Elected  Members  to  the  States (P.34/2026). This proposition provides details relating to lobbying in Jersey and the voluntary code for States Members and the associated lobbying register. The key aim of the lobbying register is to increase transparency and public trust in States Members by providing a public record of who is

seeking to influence decisions made by States Members and revealing potential conflicts of interest or unethical practices.

• The Lobbying Guidance and Engagement Code for Elected Members of the States and the voluntary recording of Members engagement with lobbyists on a public register aims to provide greater transparency in relation to the lobbying of States Members and a documented trail of interactions by Members with lobbyists.

This proposition was debated by the States Assembly on 26th March 2026 and was rejected. Further details are available here.

Role Profiles for States Members

The Sub-Committee produced a document which covers the role profiles for States Members. This paper provides an overview as to what it means to be a States Member and covers the role profiles for States Members, Chief Minister, Ministers, Assistant Ministers, Panel & Committee Chairs, Panel or Committee Members and Connétable s. The document was developed and presented to PPC for review following which it was approved in principle with a request for some minor changes.

Recommendations to be taken forward by the new Sub Committee

Whilst the new Sub-Committee is under no obligation to carry on with the work undertaken by the previous Sub-Committee, and its work will be agreed by PPC, the Sub-Committee recommends that the following matters be considered.

• Consider remaining actions from the DAGS Report

The work undertaken  to date and any outstanding recommendations should  be  presented  to  the  incoming  Sub-Committee  for  further consideration.  

• Further review of the Cabinet Office

Understand the rationale of why the Chief Minister chose this particular style of cabinet office. Is it in line with other jurisdictions and does it work for a small jurisdiction.

• Reporting Lines of Accountability

Are there clear enough reporting lines of accountability. Further review could be undertaken on whether the current reporting lines are fit for purpose and in line with what is required for a small jurisdiction.

• Green and White Papers

Do we have clear enough descriptions of green papers and white papers. Further review could be undertaken into what is done in other small jurisdictions and what improvements, if any, could be implemented.

• First and Second Readings of Legislation

Further review into the first and second readings of legislation and how these are adopted. The review could consider how to understand the differences in each reading and if it could be staggered over more than one day. The Residencial Tenancy Law and  Assisted Dying legislation which required first and second readings could be used as examples.