PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT
ENVIRONMENT DIVISION
ENVIRONMENTAL THINK TANK – TERMS OF REFERENCE
(Public)
Purpose of the Report
To formalise the establishment of the Environment Think Tank and set its terms of reference.
Background
The Environment Think Tank was drawn together informally by the Minister for Planning and Environment in January 2008 as a discussion forum to assist in mapping out the environmental challenges and opportunities faced by the Island over the next decade or so.
Discussion
Three meetings have been held to date (January, May and September) and it has become increasingly apparent that there is value in continuing this level of strategic discussion on an ongoing basis. It was therefore concluded at the September meeting that there is a need to both formalise and publicise the group and its Terms of Reference.
The Environment Think Tank will work alongside the Jersey Environment Forum, which was established in June 2003. The Jersey Environment Forum acts at an operational level providing constructive criticism to the Minister for Planning and Environment on specific policy issues, bringing together the areas of interest that each member represents. The Environment Think Tank operates at a higher strategic level, providing a wider perspective and focusing on strategic, political environmental challenges and opportunities across the States of Jersey as a whole. By ensuring close liaison and reporting between the Environment Think Tank and the Jersey Environment Forum, the combined impact of the two groups will ensure that environmental issues are at the heart of the States of Jersey’s operations and planning at all levels.
Recommendation
That the attached terms of reference are adopted by the Minister for Planning and Environment.
That the terms of reference for the Jersey Environment Forum are amended to reflect its new relationship with the Environmental Think Tank and the requirements for liaison and reporting.
Written by: Sarah Le Claire, Assistant Director for Environmental Policy, Planning and Environment
Approved by: Chris Newton, Director of Environment, Planning and Environment
Attachments: Terms of Reference
Ministerial Decision ref: MD-PE-2008-0200
04 September 2008
Environment Think Tank
Terms of Reference
The Environment Think Tank is an expert advisory group that seeks to set out the environmental challenges and opportunities faced by the Island at a strategic political level and provide advice and input to assist the delivery of the environmental aspects of the Strates Strategic Plan and future development of policy.
Aims
To assist the Minister for Planning and Environment in mapping out the environmental challenges and opportunities faced by the Island over the next decade or so.
To seek to advise the Council of Ministers on strategic matters affecting the environment and which contribute to wider states objectives so that policy development and implementation is on a sound and informed basis.
To work at a strategic, political level to seek to assist delivery of the environmental policies within the States Strategic Plan across government.
To liaise with and receive quarterly reports from the Jersey Environment Forum in their monitoring of operational environmental issues and environmental objectives within Departmental Business Plans.
To provide six monthly evaluation reports to the Jersey Environment Forum of the inclusion and implementation of strategic environmental objectives within the States Strategic Plan.
Membership
Membership comprises political and non-political members capable of providing a strategic perspective on environmental issues. Invited by the Minister for Planning and Environment, members currently include:
Political
Chief Minister
Minister for Planning and Environment
Assistant Minister for Planning and Environment
Chairman, Environment Scrutiny Panel
Officer
Chief Executive Officer, Planning and Environment
Director of Environment, Planning and Environment
Assistant Director – Policy and Awareness, Environment Division, Planning and Environment
Other
Sir Nigel Broomfield (co-chair)
Lee Durrell, Honorary Director, Durrell (co-chair)
James Godfrey, Chief Executive, RJA&HS
Hugh Forshaw, Past Chairman, Jersey Environment Forum
Mike Liston, Jersey Electricity Company
Paul Masterton, Chief Executive, Durrell
Bruce Willing
Alick McIntosh
Ian Christie, UK-based independent sustainability advisor
The Minister for Planning and Environment may co-opt further members as appropriate.
Co-chairs are appointed by the Minister for Planning and Environment for the duration of one year.
Frequency and duration of meetings
Meetings shall normally be held every six months. Interim meetings may be requested if the need arises.
Administration
Agenda preparation and administration is managed by the officers of the Environment Department in liaison with the Minister for Planning and Environment, the Co-Chairs and Think Tank members. Discussion papers and background information are prepared for the meetings by officers, or other individuals or organisations as appropriate.