28 April 2025
Islanders are being reminded that they have just over a week left to share their views
on the handling and review of complaints about public services, before the public
consultation closes on 6 May.
The consultation launched on Monday 10 March to inform a project being led by
Deputy Moz Scott, Assistant Minister for Sustainable Economic Development and
External Relations.
Deputy Scott has been tasked by the Chief Minister to develop proposals to improve
the resolution of complaints against providers of public services, with the aim of
improving services for the public.
The project includes appraisal of the potential value to the public of introducing a
Public Services Ombudsman to replace the existing Jersey Complaints Panel.
Members of the public and local organisations have been invited to share their
experiences of complaints against public services, whether or not they have formally
complained against any, along with any experiences they may have of the Jersey
Complaints Panel and other complaints review bodies.
Views are also being sought on preferences regarding the way complaints against
public services should be handled and reviewed.
So far, over 160 responses have been received.
Deputy Scott said: “Any service provided to the community directly by government,
or by external organisations funded or owned by government, can be regarded as a
public service. Providers of public services include regulatory bodies, certain charities
and utility providers and arms’ length organisations.
“I hope that anyone with experience or a view on the subject will participate in the
survey, including users, public service providers, reviewing bodies and the legal
community.
“Responses so far have covered a breadth of public services and areas of concern. I
think it’s important to reassure the public that the policy officers who are managing
the survey are based in a different area of government from the departments that
deliver public services.
“I urge anyone who has had reason to complain about a public service to complete
the survey form by the deadline, if they have not already done so, so that their
personal experiences can be taken into account in the formulation of the proposals.”
When the consultation closes, a consultation report will be prepared and published
that will inform the proposals.
Islanders can participate in the survey online, or collect a survey form from their
Parish Hall, local library branch or the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Written submissions,
comments or questions can be sent by email or post using the details below:
Public survey: Feedback on Public Services consultation
Email: adminredress@gov.je
Post: Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance, Government of Jersey, Union
Street, St Helier, JE2 3DN.
gov.je