19 February 2009
Individuals and organisations from all walks of life in Jersey are being encouraged to get involved with government and give their views on plans for new States services and policies by joining the Public Consultation Register.
Hundreds of people are already on the
electronic register, which was set up three years ago as part of an initiative to give more Jersey people a say in what happens in the Island, but it is being updated to reflect the Chief Minister’s desire for a more inclusive and open government.
Last December Senator Terry Le Sueur told the States that he wanted a government that put interests of the
people first and a States that listened, engaged and talked. The Chief Minister’s Department, which co-ordinates government consultation, is particularly keen to hear from ordinary Islanders who are not engaged in public life.
If you
join the register (Public Consultations Registration) you are automatically notified of every significant public consultation being held by States departments. These range from the employment of young people to Sunday trading. Some departments ask people to write in or email their views or respond to a survey, others invite people to talk to them over a coffee, join a workshop or a group discussion. You can choose only to send in comments on those issues that most affect or interest them or not to respond to any consultations at all. It’s free to take part and you can
submit comments in confidence.
The Chief Minister commented: ‘Used in the right way consultation can really make a difference to our policies, and hence to people’s lives. We already have concrete examples in the Island where public input has helped improve their environment or living conditions.’ He added, ‘it is important that people are able to
express their views direct to their government and I want to remind all Islanders that their views are not only welcomed but an integral part of how we govern in Jersey.’
One example of how public engagement can make a difference is the award-winning
Q-Safe taxi marshal scheme; marshals help at taxi ranks during busy periods at night, helping to reduce the incidence of anti-social behaviour. The initiative was proposed and developed by St Helier residents as part of a long running public engagement exercise to make people feel safer in town.
Islanders are currently being asked to express their views on the Council of Ministers’ priorities for the Strategic Plan by emailing
yousay@gov.je or writing to the Chief Minister.
To receive consultation papers and to be alerted of a forthcoming public consultation, people can fill in a registration form at
http://www.gov.je/ChiefMinister/PublicConsultations , or simply write to the Chief Minister at P.O. Box 140, Cyril Le Marquand House, The Parade, St Helier, JE4 8QT.
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Notes to Editors:
1. For further information, please contact the Chief Minister, Senator Terry Le Sueur on 440439.
All consultation information is published in either a Green Paper or a White Paper as follows:
A Green Paper sets out issues for general public debate, before a final decision is taken on the best policy option. They may contain several policy options that could be used as the foundation of firmer recommendations published in a White Paper.
A White Paper sets out proposed States policy in a particular area and may pave the way for future legislation or policy. It will often follow an initial Green Paper consultation.
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