Complaints Panel

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The Complaints Panel investigates complaints by members of the public about about any matter of administration by any Minister, or department of the States/Government.

Formerly known as the States of Jersey Complaints Panel, it is established by, and operates in accordance with, the Administrative Decisions (Review) (Jersey) Law 1982.

The members of the Complaints Panel (from which Boards are made up to hear and consider individual complaints) are not States Members. They are independent and give their services on a voluntary basis. If the Chair, Deputy Chair, or any members of the Panel, has a conflict of interest in respect of a complaint, they will not take part in a Board. In that way, the public can be sure that all Board members are completely unbiased and impartial.

The current membership is as follows:

Mr. Geoffrey Crill (Chair)
Mr. Stuart Catchpole, K.C. (Deputy Chair)
Mr. J. Moulin, Mrs. S. Cuming, Mr. G.M. Fraser, Mrs. C. Blackwood, Mrs P. Chapman, Mrs. T. Chatterley, Mr D. Curran, Mr A. Hunter and Mrs K. Leadbetter.

How to make a complaint to the Complaints Panel

If you wish to make a complaint about any matter of administration by any Minister, or department of the States, or by any person acting on their behalf, the basic process is as follows:

You send your complaint in writing to the Greffier of the States, Mrs. Lisa Hart, States Greffe, Morier House, Halkett Place, St. Helier, Jersey, JE1 1DD, or telephone the Case Officer on 01534 441016. Alternatively, you can email complaintsboard@gov.je.
The Greffier requests a summary of the case from the relevant Minister or department
The Greffier sends the summary to the Chair of the Panel to decide if a Complaints Board should be established to hear the case
A public hearing is held at which both the complainant and the Minister, or department, present their case
The Board presents its findings to the States Assembly
If the Board upholds your complaint, it will ask the Minister concerned to reconsider the original decision

Every effort is made to hold a hearing within 14 weeks of the receipt of your complaint. However, there may be times when the process is more lengthy and involved. This is particularly the case if the Panel refuses your request for a hearing and you pursue an appeal.

Guide to making a complaint to the Complaints Board

Administrative Decisions (Review) (Jersey) Law 1982

What happens to the Board's findings?

After the hearing, the Board will consider its findings and the Greffier will send these to you, as well as to the relevant Minister or department and the Privileges and Procedures Committee. The Privileges and Procedures Committee will arrange for the findings to be presented to the States as a Report.

If the Board finds in your favour, it may ask the relevant Minister or Department to reconsider the matter.

Annual Reports and findings by the Complaints Panels