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WQ.81/2023
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHIEF MINISTER
BY DEPUTY L.V. FELTHAM OF ST. HELIER CENTRAL QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 20th FEBRUARY 2023 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 27th FEBRUARY 2023
Question
“Will the Chief Minister advise how consideration of access to, and inclusion in, Government services informed the development of the Ministerial Delivery Plans, and what direction, if any, she has given to Ministers and officers to ensure that Government services are accessible to all those who need them?”
Answer
The Common Strategic Policy 23-26 directs delivery of the government agenda. In developing the CSP, my Council of Ministers identified ‘Community’ as one of our priorities for change. Specifically, it states at page 17 that:
“We will create a more inclusive and vibrant community.
Inclusivity is at the heart of our vision for Government and for the Island. We have already committed to much more proactive government engagement with the parishes, older and younger people, disabled Islanders, and our diverse communities. We will actively promote equality, diversity, and social inclusion in conjunction with our specific priorities on children, families and our ageing population. We will continue to work towards ensuring that the services and facilities provided by the Government are accessible and that the government departments have access and inclusion plans in place so that all people are treated equitably”
We will ensure Jersey continues to nurture a positive and inclusive island identity, which is bolstered through our proud tradition of volunteering. We will support this through enhanced opportunities to volunteer both here and overseas.
We will play our part in the international community by continuing to support the work of Jersey Overseas Aid and by welcoming all parts of our diverse population through our cultural diversity centre.”
Our delivery of this priority includes both specific actions as set out in the Delivery Plans and the day-to- day delivery of existing strategies, polices and services.
On a day-to-day basis, the Disability Strategy and Social Inclusion and Diversity policies, which apply across Government, are the responsibility of the Minister for Social Security.
The Disability Strategy and Social Inclusion and Diversity policies set out Government's approach to access to, and inclusion, in Government Services.
The Minister for Social Security is supported by the Local Services Team within Customer and Local Services in implementing the Strategy and policies.
Recent examples of this cross-government work include:
• the commitment by the Government of Jersey for compulsory accessibility training for all staff as well as a comprehensive training programme for all senior leaders in the organisation to improve accessibility of our services. This training will promote inclusive attitudes and practice.
• in terms of physical access, the prioritising of access Audits on Government buildings to make the improvements required where practicable (see WQ.80/2023).
The Minister for Social Security’s priorities include the promotion of the Disability Strategy and Social Inclusion and Diversity policies. The Minister’s Delivery Plan also sets out the following specific actions to deliver on that priority:
In addition, other Ministers have also committed in their Delivery Plans (which set out specific actions to deliver on the CSP Priorities), to taking additional action to improve access to, and inclusion in Government Services:
Chief Minister
Minister for Children and Education
Minister for Justice and Home Affairs
