19 July 2019
Islanders can have their say on whether the Government should appoint an independent ombudsman to look into complaints against public services.
The proposed Jersey Public Services Ombudsman would replace the States of Jersey Complaints Panel, which was established in the 1980s to deal with any complaint about a decision by any Minister or Government department.
A 12-week island-wide consultation begins on 19 July, during which time islanders can give their views on the proposed Ombudsman.
Deputy David Johnson, Chairman of the Legislation Advisory Panel said: “In March 2018 the States Assembly agreed, in principle, that we should establish a public services ombudsman in order to make it easier for islanders to seek redress from providers of public services when something goes wrong.
“Today’s launch of the consultation marks an important step towards improving openness and transparency in government which was a key recommendation of the Jersey Care Inquiry and the Jersey Law Commission.”
The consultation is seeking views on:
- which government departments, parish functions, arm’s length bodies and other providers of services to the public should be included within the remit of the Ombudsman
- what the Ombudsman should do and what methods should be used to investigate complaints and oversee public bodies
- how the Ombudsman should work with other watchdogs and regulators already established in Jersey; and
- what remedies the Ombudsman should be able to offer islanders.
Islanders can comment by completing an
online survey or by attending one of two public meetings at St Paul’s Centre on Monday, 9 September 2019 1pm to 2pm and Tuesday, 10 September 2019 6pm to 7pm.
Alternatively, islanders can email their comments to JPSO@gov.je or write to Strategic Policy, Performance and Population, Government of Jersey, 19-21 Broad Street, St Helier, JE2 3RR.
gov.je