Community Relations Trust: Re-appointment of Chairman

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A decision made 13 July 2011 regarding:

Decision Reference: MD-HA-2011-0038

Decision Summary Title :

Reappointment of Chairman of the CRT

Date of Decision Summary:

24 May 2011

Decision Summary Author:

Executive Officer

Home Affairs

Decision Summary:

Public or Exempt?

Public

Type of Report:

Oral or Written?

Written

Person Giving

Oral Report:

n/a

Written Report

Title :

Report – reappointment of Chairman CRT

Date of Written Report:

1 July 2011

Written Report Author:

Executive Officer

Home Affairs

Written Report :

Public or Exempt?

Public

Subject:

Re-appointment of the Chairman of the Community Relations Trust.

Decision(s):

The Minister decided to present a Report to the States, giving 15 days’ notice of his intention to re-appoint Dr Elena Moran as the Chairman to the Community Relations Trust, in pursuance of paragraph 5.1 of the Trust, as amended.

Reason(s) for Decision:

In pursuance of Paragraph 5.1 of the Trust Constitution, the Minister is required to give the States 15 days’ notice of his intention to re-appoint Dr Elena Moran as Chairman for a further period of 4 years, before confirming the appointment. Dr Moran was previously appointed as Chairman by the States on 22 October 2008. All the Trustees support her re-appointment.

Resource Implications:

There are no resource implications to the Home Affairs Department resulting from this decision.

Action required:

The Executive Officer to request the Greffier of the States to arrange for the attached Report to be placed before the States.

Signature:

Position:

Minister for Home Affairs

Date Signed:

Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

Community Relations Trust: Re-appointment of Chairman

REPORT

The Constitution of the Jersey Community Relations Trust, as amended by the States on 20 January 2004, sets out the aim of the Trust as follows –

“To seek to eliminate discrimination on any ground including, but not limited to, grounds of colour, race, nationality or ethnic or national origins, gender or sexual orientation, disability or age, by promoting good relations between all members of society, and seeking to achieve equality of treatment and opportunity within our community”.

The Objectives are further specified in paragraph 3 of the Trust Constitution, as follows –

(a) To encourage mutual respect among all people in the Island.

(b) To promote equality of treatment and opportunity.

(d) To identify areas where discrimination arises, while promoting and encouraging existing and future initiatives to tackle it.

(e) To promote education in the community about the aim of the Trust.

(f) To promote recognition and acceptance of cultural diversity.

(g) To promote training in furtherance of the aim of the Trust and the development thereof.

(h) To provide information and advice and facilitate initiatives concerning discrimination.

(i) To sponsor and support research in furtherance of the aim of the Trust.

(j) To take measures to counter discriminatory behaviour, attitudes, and policies.

(k) To monitor these objectives.

Appointment of Chairman

Paragraph 5.1 of the Trust Constitution requires the Minister for Home Affairs to give at least 15 days’ notice to the States of his intention to appoint a Chairman, who is not a member of the States, to the Community Relations Trust. This is in line with the States’ decision to change the procedure for most States-made appointments (P.205/2009).

Dr Elena Moran has been the Chairman of the Trust since 22 October 2008 when the States approved her appointment to the role for a 3 year period. That tenure is due to expire on 21 October 2011. The Minister is happy that Dr Moran is committed to the objectives of the Trust, and wishes to reappoint her for a further 4 year period in line with the Trust’s Constitution.

The experience and qualifications of Dr Moran with regard to this appointment are as follows –

Dr Moran holds a PhD in discrimination law.

Professional Experience

2010 – current Hanson Renouf:

advice and litigation large scale commercial disputes; acting in trust disputes; contentious and non-contentious employment matters; advising on company law and protection of minority interests; dealing with professional negligence claims.

2003 – 2010: Collas Crill (formerly Crill Canavan)

1994 – 2002: BBC Litigation Department

1992 – 1994: British Gas PLC

Voluntary Work

2008 – current Chairperson Jersey Community Relations Trust

2007 – 2008: Chairperson Silverstar Pre-School, St. Mary

1989 – 1994: Legal Advice Worker, Hoxton Hall Community Centre

1990 – 1992: Advocate, Free Representation Unit