Fiscal Stimulus Fund update report – March 2022

STATES OF JERSEY

FISCAL STIMULUS FUND UPDATE REPORT – MARCH 2022

Presented to the States on 6th May 2022 by the Minister for Treasury and Resources

STATES GREFFE

2020  R.74

Fiscal Stimulus Fund – Update Report (March 2022)

1. Purpose of Report

This report sets out the progress on the allocations of the Fiscal Stimulus Fund and the status of projects, as required by P.128/2020 Establishment and funding of the Fiscal Stimulus Fund. The Fiscal Stimulus Fund was established by the Government of Jersey by P.128/2020 as part of a range of measures designed to assist the economy to recover from the impact of COVID-19. The outcome of the approvals process saw 47 projects granted funding totalling £29.4m. During the Government Plan debate an approved amendment limited P.90/2021 (Amd. 7) the total available for Fiscal Stimulus to £29.4m meaning there will be no further project approvals as part of this initiative.

There has been good progress on most projects as approved with the total amount being injected into the economy of £19.9m (£13m spent as at the end of March 2022). Whilst this direct investment is helpful there has also been a significant positive impact on the provision of services with high levels of social value across all of the projects in the portfolio. Project managers have worked hard to meet the deadlines and keep to the budgets assigned to them despite the uncertainty caused by the continuing impact of the pandemic and the impact of Brexit on supply chains.

11 projects were fully complete by the end of December with a further 17 projects completed at the end of March and 15 with an approved extension to the end of June. There is no expectation that any project will exceed the policy relating to project deadlines and that the majority of fiscal stimulus funding will be complete by the end of June 2022.

Since the original approval £9m of projects are no longer being funded through the Fiscal Stimulus Fund as they were unable to continue to meet the criteria for the Fund. In addition, some projects will not be spending their whole allocation of funding based on changing needs of the projects. On that basis the revised project expenditure from the Fund is £19.9m. The projects with alternative funding sources or which have been withdrawn are:

• Jersey Opera House

• Jersey Art Centre

• Jersey Spartans Headquarters

• Oakfield sporting facilities

2. Completed projects1

1. Customer and Local Services (CLS)

20-008 Jersey Citizens Advice Bureau - Website/Digital Channels Technology Project

£50,000

The funding has improved the Jersey Citizens Advice Bureau's website, by providing an improved and up-to- date source of information for both Jersey Citizens Advice staff, volunteers, and clients from across the community. The Jersey Citizens Advice Bureau's aim is to support Jersey residents by helping to ensure accurate and helpful guidance is provided. This project went live in January 2022 and was delivered by a local digital company. The aim is to improved traffic to the site by 20% which will represent an ability to help more people and a wider cross section of the population of Jersey.

20-071 Jersey Employment Trust - Acorn collections and processing facilities Construction Project (Multiple Trades and multiple local contractors) £808,336

This project's funding has enabled the building of a collections, processing, and delivery hub to improve donation  operations  and  provide  additional  employment  opportunities.  Acorn  has  estimated  that  this investment will enable them to increase their revenue by circa £200k per annum and create a minimum of 10 paid jobs and 60 training opportunities for people with disabilities, long-term health conditions and people being supported by the Back to Work scheme.

JET has found that the pandemic has made employers reluctant to offer training and work experience opportunities to its clients; in particular, this has had a significant impact on young people who are leaving fulltime education. With employers being reluctant to offer work placements this has meant that this group of people who lack the experience are struggling more than usual to find employment and meaningful training.  This  project  will  enable  young  people  to  potentially  have  training  opportunities  with  local contractors in the short term.

The project will create numerous opportunities across a diverse profile adding to the current work force. Currently the Jersey Employment Trust works with 338 people with a variety of disabilities and 46% are female and 54% are male. The disabilities can range from visual impairment, long term health conditions, mental health, brain injury, learning disability and autistic spectrum conditions.

From an environmental perspective, the implementation of this project further supports the issue of waste and reducing the islands carbon footprint (to which there is a cost associated with the disposal of waste). Reuse is fundamental to the Islands waste management strategy and environmental good. By having this extra facility there will be an opportunity to reduce waste by removing an additional 730 tonnes from the waste stream and 3.5% improvement on this amount each month. The new building will have solar panels installed on the roof expanse, which will generate enough electricity to power the Acorn site during the summer months and generate a surplus that can be diverted back into the main grid. These objectives will assist Acorn in its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. The new facility will also house a purpose-built

1 Projects are noted as completed when the Project Manager has confirmed that the Fiscal Stimulus element of the project has been substantially completed within the timescale (greater than 95% of the total budget or 95% of the work programme having been completed)

self-contained area for electrical testing and function testing of goods. It will give us the space to expand into white goods such as washing machines providing these goods at low cost for low-income families. The official opening of the facility was on the 4th of April 2022.

20-099 Unemployment Support

Support for Business & Skills improvement  £1,250,075

In March 2021 there were 1420 locally qualified people registered as looking for work in Jersey, with 430 long-term unemployed. Economic indicators suggested this was set to increase without direct intervention, so the request for Fiscal Stimulus funding was submitted.

The approved funding in April 2021 was for £1.25m fiscal stimulus to improve 190 long-term job-seekers' opportunity to move back into paid employment. The project was given approval to continue until 31 March 2022. By March 2022 there were 740 registered jobseekers, with a total of 290 long-term.

The #RecruitLocal campaign using £673k of Fiscal Stimulus funding achieved 118 subsidised job starts with;

- 57 still in post with the same employer

- 38 did not complete the Incentivised period, but 15 of them are now in a similar role elsewhere

- 6 completed the Incentivised period but were not kept on

- 17 are still in the Incentivised period

Of the 100 that have already completed their incentivised period, 72% have sustained employment.

Within the funding there was £200k allocated for additional training to support long term jobseekers. This funding enabled additional Care, Business Admin, Hospitality and Customer Service training, specifically developed to meet the needs of industry. In addition, we developed a series of IT workbooks for Microsoft office applications, to support jobseekers practising their IT skills.

20-163 The Shelter Trust – Women Only accommodation Construction project  

£189,500

The pandemic has affected a variety of Islands in many ways. Due to the pandemic the need for homeless shelter has increased, especially for women. Now that the Shelter is open it will be able to provide much needed support for  up to 20 vulnerable women. These women will be supported by permanent and continuous staffing.

Homelessness confers disadvantage in many ways to those experiencing a lack of an address. All the negative experiences endured by homeless people are amplified for women. Homeless women are likely to have suffered (or be suffering) poor mental and physical health, be unemployed, and have barriers to employment and training. Their unsettled and uncertain accommodation status also impacts on their relationships and prospects, both personal and professional. Being homeless affects people across a whole range of categories of wellbeing most notably the close and evidential link between homelessness, ill health, and life expectancy. To be able to provide a longer-term solution will enable these women to be supported in a much-improved way with impacts on them personally and on our wider society.

This project will address the severe shortcomings in existing service provision. It will provide a full wraparound service. It will enable innovative and better interventions in support of these women to take place in a dedicated environment. It will be women-only, women-focused, and open to supporting previously unavailable interventions such as a Jersey Pause project. Pause supports women who have experienced, or are at risk of, repeat removals of children from their care. It aims to break this cycle and, in doing so, seeks to prevent the damaging consequences of children being taken into care.

In summary it will provide a health and social care support, counselling, assistance with education, training, and employability. These services will be provided by Shelter in partnership with several other service providers.

The funding has created 9 roles to deliver the women only service and the project will benefit the communities most vulnerable members. The project has been delivered using local tradesman and contractors. The facility was largely completed by March 2022 and is now open for the support of women in our community.

2. Children, Young People, Education and Sport (CYPES)

20-001 Jersey Scouts Association – Refurbishment of Kenneth Faucon Hall Construction Project (Refurbishment with multiple trades)

£50,694

The project has improved the existing infrastructure of the Scouts in Jersey, which is used by the wider community, ensuring that we can continue to provide opportunities and adventure for young people on the island regardless of their socio-economic background, and a valued community facility. The project has improved the environmental impact of the buildings due to the nature of the improvements. The project commenced on 8th September 2021 and was completed by February 2022.

20-002 Ebenezer Church – Refurbishment of Kitchen area Construction Project (Refurbishment with multiple trades) £11,000

The church currently uses the main hall to provide refreshments. This project has provided them with a dedicated area to enable the provision of refreshments, which has allowed a wider reach and improved facilities for the users particularly improving facilities for children and older citizens. This was a refurbishment project which used local tradesman and sourced goods through local suppliers.

20-038 Jersey Youth Service – First Tower Youth Project Development

Construction Project (Redevelopment of the centre to utilise building and upgrade current facilities) £1,500,000

In partnership with First Tower Community Association, the Youth service deliver four evening sessions per week from the site. The building was in a basic condition and was not big enough to accommodate the number of young people who attend or to accommodate use by the wider community. The funding has allowed the redevelopment of the centre to utilise the whole building to include heating, adequate toilet facilities, disabled access, and a daytime community access Café area.

The original aims of the project have been delivered which were to:

• provide a venue to deliver youth work to the west of Town so that children & young people within this locality have the same equity of service as children & young people living in other parishes and localities.

• provide a space for delivery of the Youth Work curriculum from the new centre to increase the personal and social development opportunities of young people and support their capacity to Learn and achieve.

• provide a Centre within which the Community can access GOJ services and activities that support living healthy lives

• provide staff with the opportunity to build positive relationships with young people and families so that preventative, diversionary and early intervention work can be carried out in the locality that will be the most populated area of Jersey

• provide the opportunity for adults of the neighbourhood to have a place to meet during the daytime and to get involved within the Community volunteering by working with and for young people.

• provide opportunities for children & young people to engage in positive activities in their leisure time and divert them away from negative behaviour and crime, and other unsocial risk-taking behaviours so that they are able to grow up more safely

• provide a Centre that would complete a network of connected and integrated youth centres across Jersey, enabling joined up working and thinking, that will have positive social and economic impacts for young people and their families

• provide alternative after-school facilities and services (3pm to 6pm) for working parents based in town

• Establish a local model, through the way the new centre staff will work, of co-production with children, young people & their families so that they feel valued and involved

In economic terms the work has provided stimulus by using local construction and materials suppliers and has provided opportunities to support and develop the existing construction workforce locally – ongoing, the redevelopment of the Centre will provide further employment and volunteer opportunities within the community as well as enhancing the facilities to support the development of the employment skills of the young people who attend the sessions. This project was largely completed in March 2022 and will be operational in May.

20-039 Jersey Youth Service – Queen's Silver Jubilee Activity Centre Crabbe Construction Project (Refurbishment with multiple trades)

£32,000

The Queen's Silver Jubilee Activity Centre Crabbe is a well-used residential centre, used by all Jersey Primary and Secondary Schools, youth organisations and youth groups all year round. It is also used for the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. It provides opportunities for young people in outdoor learning, which contribute to the development of children and young people along with various mental health and wellbeing factors.

This project to replace the driveway and repair the shower facilities has increased the accessibility of the facility and contributed to the economy by using local suppliers.

20-041 Trinity Youth Centre Trust – Alterations to Trinity Youth Centre Construction Project (Multiple trades)

£828,330

The Trinity Youth Centre Trust Incorporated, a locally registered charity, has responsibility for the Trinity Youth Centre which provides a base for the Trinity Youth Project, the 6th Jersey Scout Group, and other community, leisure, and recreational focused activities. This project has allowed the completion of essential maintenance and made alterations to improve the Youth Centre. In the short term, the project has provided work for the construction sector and work for the professional teams involved in the work and to the associated local companies  involved in the supply  chains  to  the  construction industry,  i.e.,  quarrying, wholesale, transport, and distribution sectors.

In the longer term, alterations to the Centre have enabled the continuation of the provision of a cost-effective base for an increased number of small leisure and recreational organisations. The type of activities carried out by those who use the Centre include a dance school, fitness classes and children-based activities. The project is now complete.

20-051 RETRAIN skills Skills and Training £1,700,000

Highlands College, Skills Jersey, and Digital Jersey – have been delivering the RETRAIN programme since September 2021.

RETRAIN offered 87 courses across a range of specialisms and industries. This included courses on leadership and management, business start-ups, support working in schools and colleges, and electric vehicle repair and replacement. 979 people have enrolled on the courses. Everyone who took part in the training is being asked for feedback. To date:

- 90% agree or strongly agree that the courses support their current or future job prospects

- 88% agree or strongly agree that they now have in demand' skills for the industries they work in, or want to work in

- 75% agree or strongly agree that the training has made their business more productive.

A selection of the courses offered:

Internships

Skills Jersey have partnered with Organisational Development to create the first cross Government of Jersey Internship programme which has:

• Created a pathway into Government for local graduates.

• Showcased the diversity of careers and opportunities.

• Helped to address the recruitment and skills gaps

The results were:

• 76 expressions of interests were received

• 34 placements were offered over 11 GoJ departments

• 2 jobs were offered

• A permanent internship pathway was developed for GoJ

Traineeship

16 young people were identified by Skills Jersey NEET data and are engaging in a training and employment programme. Students on the traineeship have so far:

• gained their Level 2 Starting Your Own Business' qualification

• been selected to take part in a Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA) project in Kenya in

• secured from their work placement an apprenticeship in Motor Vehicle

Other relevant details:

• 16% have been referred on to counselling or other mental health services

• 31% worked jointly with JET to provide extra support and support around transitioning after the programme

• 14 industry areas have been engaged with

• At 6 months the students have completed 5 educational projects with industry sectors

• At 6 months, 85% of students have already identified a destination for once they have completed the programme

• 90% of students have demonstrated and/or explicitly communicated an increase in wellbeing and confidence

• 95% of students have improved their communication

• 60% of students have had 1:1 meetings with employers in areas of interest

20-171 Beaulieu Convent School – Sports Centre (Ground Works) Construction Project (Construction project with multiple trades) £1,500,000

Completing the enabling works for the new Sports Centre facility falls within the Government priority to "put children first". The improved sports facilities will support the emerging GoJ Sports Strategy by providing opportunities for pupils to extend themselves physically; experience a greater variety of sports and enable physical activity to become an established choice in their current and future work-life balance.

The school actively promotes links with the local and wider community and has always looked to responsibly enhance and enrich lives beyond the school gates. There are long-standing agreements with groups to use the school's existing, limited sporting facilities out of hours and the new facilities will provide these groups with a better experience and greater capacity to grow the number of participants and attract new groups to the school. This will allow those community groups to have a better experience and greater capacity to grow the number of participants and attract new groups to the school.

The direct benefits of the provision of sports facilities, therefore, not only enable the school to meet its academic obligations but also assist the wellbeing and health of the whole community. Support for the project will help to secure the construction of the Sports Centre and, therefore, to maintain fees at an affordable level for most, which supports the Government's priorities around income inequality and standard of living for lower income earners.

The project was completed by the agreed timescale of March 2021 and within the funds allocated for the Groundworks section of the overall sports facility construction.

20-125 Every Child Our Future – Summer School  Skills and Training  

£60,000

The project plan was designed to best meet the needs of students by creating a balance between learning visually, kinaesthetically, and auditory alongside opportunities to improve reading and writing. Six small group sessions were delivered each day with a staff to student ratio of 3:14 for English and mathematics, and 2:14 for the outdoor learning part of the day. This ratio guaranteed a high level of student engagement and ensured that staff met the individual needs of students. The staff team consisted of Haute Vallee Teachers, Teaching Assistants, including EAL (English as an Additional Language) and RTL staff, our Designated Safeguarding Lead and School Based Counsellor.

84 students attended the Summer School over the two-week period. However, results have only been taken from the 72 students who were in attendance for over 90% of the two weeks. All students were provided with breakfast, lunch, and water throughout the two weeks ensuring they were fuelled for the action-packed days of educational fun.

The projects aim during this Summer School was to unlock the potential in the students through discovery and outdoor adventure, alongside mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on their education by addressing gaps in learning caused by school disruption.

The project met all the project objectives set out and had a positive impact on those participants who attended.

3. Health and Community Services (HCS)

20-069 Brook Jersey Premises – Leasehold refurbishment Construction Project (Refurbishment with multiple trades) £188,992

Funding has been used to convert its new offices into, clinical rooms, an education room, and an inviting waiting area for young people. Brook provides a variety of services which are used by diverse number of young people as well as schools. The provision of sexual health services for young people in Jersey is crucial to maintaining low levels of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. In 2019, there were over 3,200 visits to Brook for clinical services and over 5,000 young people engaged via the Education team who deliver PSHE in schools and youth settings.

Young people requiring these services in Jersey need access to a physical centre to feel safe and comfortable during face-to-face consultations, medical examinations, and procedures. The refurbishment has allowed young people access to well equipped, safe premises which meets the requirements of clinical working practices for staff. This centre is a hub for both clinics and education sessions so a warm, inviting environment which also meets infection control and medical use is essential.

20-026 Brighter Futures – Springboard, Digital Strategy Technology Project

£135,000

This project consists of three elements that aim to reduce the fall in output in the economy by providing employment to local people and developing their skills, knowledge, and expertise in a range of roles and skills development areas. The project will offer opportunities across a breadth of roles and skills development, ranging from the highly skilled, developing and leading a digital strategy, to Early Years and childcare to internships.

The recruitment and interviews for the Digital Strategy lead role took place in November. The internship program that provides bespoke training and professional development is now up and running. An additional role has been created within the crèche with various training being offered to the staff to support their own continuous professional development and induction to the service. This in turn has increase the capacity for more children from struggling backgrounds.

Brighter Futures supports those that experience the impacts of income inequality. The contribution that Brighter Futures makes to the economy of Jersey when clients are discharged from our services is significant. For example, in 2020:

• 40% of clients secured employment (30% in 2019)

• 13% were actively seeking work (14% in 2019)

• 19% went on to volunteer (19% in 2019)

• 87% of clients reported an improvement in their well-being (90% in 2019)

• 9% went into full time further/higher education and employment opportunities (5% in 2019).

Most of Brighter Futures clients endure persistent poverty, financial hardship and economic, housing and heating stress, poor mental health, and well-being daily. This project supports them and has supported the economic recovery by investing in local people to create a sustainable, vibrant economy, upskilling the local workforce for the future, and improving skills in the local workforce.

20-107 Jersey Action Against Rape – Refurbishment of JAAR premises  Construction Project (Refurbishment with multiple trades)

£11,575

Due to the pandemic Jersey Action Against Rape (JAAR) has seen a rise in requests for their services. JAAR provide therapy to sexual assault survivors and the refurbishment project will provide a more supportive environment for survivors. This project to refurbish the JAAR offices was completed in December 2021.

20-116 Jersey Action Against Rape – Counselling hours

Support for business

£10,448

As a result of the pandemic the requirement for the Jersey Action Against Rape services has risen and funding has decreased due to lack of fundraising events being able to take place. The funding has been used to employ a counsellor for 7 additional paid counselling hours a week. The counselling hours provides highly specialised 1:1 counselling for survivors of sexual assault. By employing an extra counsellor, it has reduced the waiting time from 6-9 months to 3-4 months. The project is now complete and an extra 7.5 hours per week worth of counselling has been in place since June 2021.

20-135 Jersey Action Against Rape – Develop an Ecommerce and Ticket Site

Technology project

£5,406

The development of the JAAR website was to allow for additional fundraising opportunities through shop functionality and was complete by December 2021.

4. Infrastructure, Housing and Environment (IHE)

20-009 Jersey Cheshire Homes – Solar PV Panels Construction Project (Refurbishment with multiple trades) £67,094  

Jersey Cheshire Home currently has 28 residents and supports over 200 external users in the community. To improve the carbon footprint, enhance energy efficiency and reduce the operating costs of the home, this project funding has allowed Solar Panels to be mounted on the roof of the Home's Hydrotherapy Centre. The project was completed in October 2021 and all funds were spent locally.

20-020 Coronation Park Paddling Pool

Construction Project (Replacement project with specific trades)

£749,650

The funding for this project is to replace and upgrade the paddling pool facilities in Coronation Park, Millbrook. The existing paddling pool was a popular listed structure that had to close 18 months ago because it developed a significant leak which could not be repaired. This project removed the existing structure and replaced it with a new waterplay facility that is larger in area but shallower and safer. The Park is used by the island's community and will provide an updated facility for islanders to enjoy.

The project involved a replacement Paddling Pool funded by Fiscal Stimulus and a Splash Pad adjacent funded from departmental funding.

The paddling pool element of the project was completed in March 2022 with the facility due to open to the public in time for Summer 2022.

20-021 Jersey Cricket Limited (JCL) – Grainville Cricket Facility Refurbishment Construction Project (Replacement project with specific trades)

£300,000

The grant is for the refurbishment of the Grainville Cricket facility. Cricket is a thriving sport in Jersey with over 4,000 players regularly participating in various forms of the game. School and community cricket continues to grow in popularity with junior participation rates increasing by 100% in 2020. To maintain the momentum of this success, JCL has initiated a series of development programmes which are aimed at increasing participation rates even further. The existence of a dedicated facility puts JCL in a significantly stronger position to attract international, English County and club teams to the Island for internationally recognised tournaments and tours.

The Government are the owners of the facility and the Cricket club lease the asset. The renovations include the replacement of all windows, doors, toilets, showers, and a reconfiguration of changing room facilities, updated catering facilities and office space. JCL are contributing to the project financially as well. In the short-term, Jersey based tradespeople such as builders, electricians and plumbers will benefit from the refurbishment project. Additional services from local architects, structural engineers and lawyers will be required. Thereafter, local employment opportunities for groundskeepers, caretakers, physiotherapists and catering staff will exist

This investment in the Grainville facility satisfies the primary Strategic Priority of improving the wellbeing, mental and physical health of Islanders as it provides a fit for purpose facility which allows Jersey Cricket to fulfil is objective of developing the sport in Jersey both for the benefit of those that participate and the wider community.

The fiscal stimulus funded part of the project was completed by 31 March 2022 with ongoing additional work funded by the Jersey Cricket Association as planned.

20-034 The Jersey Race club – Racecourse Improvements Construction Project (Replacement project with specific trades) £29,408

This small grant was originally for the installation of a fence around the inside of the racetrack and the replacement of the irrigation system. Due to cost changes arising from delays in the work starting the scope of this project has changed such that only the Fence will now be funded through Fiscal Stimulus.

The Jersey Race Club will undertake the work on the irrigation system through their own funding mechanisms. This reduces the grant to the Jersey Race Club to £29,408. Work on the fence was completed in March 2022.

20-061 Enable Jersey – Changing Places St Brelade's Bay Construction Project

£87,000

At present, almost 14,000 people in Jersey are disabled (using the UK Equality Act definition) and with an ageing population, these numbers are set to increase. The absence of appropriate facilities for severely disabled people means that some people are very limited in the activities they can participate in or locations they're able to visit, which impacts their quality of life. Disabled people shouldn't have to compromise their health and dignity.

The funding developed a disabled changing facility and toilet facility adjacent to the existing toilet facilities at St Brelade's Bay. The project has provided disabled people with complex needs somewhere to change, clean themselves, and use a toilet. The new facility presents the opportunity for disabled members of our community and visitors to spend more time in this area, as they will be able to stay for longer. This may increase the footfall in this area and delivery economic benefits for retailers, hoteliers, beach concessions and other small business in the area. This project was completed in 2021 with the official opening of the facility in February 2022.

20-084 Jersey Padel Community – Padel facilities at St Clements Recreation Fields Construction Project (Refurbishment project with multiple trades)

£425,350

The project will provide the appropriate facilities and coaching for the growth of Padel Tennis within the community of Jersey. This project upgrades the two existing Padel courts and builds three new championship canvas covered indoor courts and provides training for local coaches so that there can increased participation in Padel within the Island. The fiscal stimulus element of the project was completed in March 2022 with further work being completed onsite funded from other sources. The facility has been accredited by the LTA who have agreed for their biggest competition to be held at the new facility in September. A structured Spring league open to all members of the community commenced on 4 April with 115 participants, the largest Padel league in the United Kingdom.

20-104 FB Fields Sports Pavilion Refurbishment

Construction Project (Refurbishment project with multiple trades) £95,000

The department received an initial approval to demolish and rebuild the small sports pavilion to provide a fit for purpose changing and rest facility for local sports users at FB Fields. Following submission of the initial application, proposals have been developed for a Masterplan on FB Fields. As a result of this a request to change the scope to refurbishment of the facility was approved which will extend its life until the masterplan comes into effect. The fiscal stimulus element of this project was completed on 31 March 2022 with further work being completed onsite funded from other sources.

20-106 Jersey Association of Youth and Friendship (JAYF) – Essential maintenance grant for JAYF hostels Construction Project (refurbishment trades)

£30,000

The JAYF provides benefits and accommodation for 29 young people who might otherwise be homeless. The provision of these hostels provides a degree of stability and security as a steppingstone to young people finding full – time employment and more permanent accommodation. Signposting residents to other services and opportunities to enhance their education, training, and employment skills. JAYF currently has residents training, working, and developing skills in hospitality, construction, health sector (nursing), finance sector and retail sector. JAYF works closely with many Government stakeholders including education, blue light services, and employment providers in encouraging young people who often lack the benefits of normal family life.

Due to the pandemic the charity saw a drop in donations and was not able to run annual events, which raise a considerable amount of money. The funds have been used towards maintenance/upkeep costs allowing 2021 fundraising to be used to replenish reserves.

20- 148 Jersey Biodiversity Centre (JBC) – Engage Jersey with Nature 2021

Technology project  

£56,070

The Jersey Biodiversity Centre (JBC) strives to strengthen islanders' connections with nature and improve understanding and knowledge of local wildlife.

This project has developed a new website and associated training materials that has enabled an increase in awareness of the importance of biological recording and its place in protecting our fragile environment. In encouraging people to connect more with nature this project will not only benefit the economy and the environment but also the wellbeing both mentally and physically of the Jersey population. During the pandemic, experiencing nature has become all the more important, and this project will help to turn this important but passive connection to nature into active participation through biological recording.

Having an effective online presence is vital to the improvement and expansion of the wildlife database. It is through the website that the database is accessed, and the functionality of the website is therefore central to the running of the JBC. Developing the usability of the website will guarantee the Centre is prepared for future technological changes and an increase in footfall.

Although the number of users continues to slowly grow, this still represents a small percentage of the island's population actively submitting data to the JBC database. An updated website will attract new users and provide an improved experience for existing users, ensuring the JBC is reaching a more diverse section of the population.

There are currently 600 users registered on the JBC website, representing only 0.3% of the island population. Analytics data will be able to highlight usage of the service as a whole and break this down into use of pages. This feedback will help to further adapt and improve the service.

5. Department of Economy (DoE)

20-037 Jersey Consumer Council – Consumer Confidence and Data Security Technology Project

£37,000

This project has seen the creation of a new secure Jersey Consumer Council website which enables easy access to the information needed by the Islands' consumers. Costs should be more transparent and easily compared, which in turn should improve competition. The project commenced in Q4 2021 and was completed in March 2022.

20-049 Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society – Grounds Refurbishment Construction and Technology Projects

£495,000

The Royal Jersey Showground was established in Trinity in 2000 and since then it has developed into a flexible events facility in the Island, hosting a range of events from meetings to music festivals. This project will improve the facility in support of the events industry. The improvements have included:

• A new catering facility, within existing structures, to enable a  professional food service to be delivered to the growing number and range of events accommodated by the Showground.

• The provision of additional and modernised services required in support of current and future events. These  include  additional  W.C.s,  improved  air  handling  and  ventilation,  and  upgraded  IT infrastructure.

• Establishing a covered walkway to connect the new West Hall to the facilities at the front of the building in response to an identified need to improve the utilisation of all the facilities.

• Upgrade the IT systems to provide for expanded and more flexible connectivity for conferences and meetings

This project was completed in March 2022.

3. Progress on projects with extensions to June 2022

1. Customer and Local Services (CLS)

20-029 – Howard Davis Hall Redevelopment (Howard Davis Park) Construction Project (Multiple trades for renovation work) £750,000

The  project  has  renovated  this  historically  important  building  and  will  enable  events  such  as  civil partnerships, celebrations of life, corporate events to take place in the spectacular Howard Davis Park.

This project will be completed in May and used local contractors and materials supplies. It has enabled the creation of a new contribution to the economy and the provision of an ongoing sustainable business with employment opportunities. It is expected that this venue will be able to generate £1m of income over its first four years of operation which will contribute to the overall financial position of the Government of Jersey. This new business should also generate additional economic activity for other local suppliers and service providers, for example in marketing and catering. This venue is likely to be marketed outside of Jersey and should, therefore, contribute to the creation of wider economic benefits through visitor numbers and thereby assist the travel, tourism, hotel, and hospitality sectors. The venue has already attracted considerable interest from the private and charitable sector.

2. Children, Young People, Education and Sport (CYPES)

20-102 Jersey Scouts Association – Refurbishment of St Luke's Hall Construction Project (Refurbishment with multiple trades) £50,328

This project will upgrade and refurbish St Luke's Scout and community hall. The building is used by the wider community and provides opportunities of adventure for young people on the island regardless of their social- economic background.

The refurbishment of the St Luke's Scout and Community Hall will replace the double-glazing window units, old and worn kitchen units and appliances, toilets, flooring and underlay and electrical light fittings. In addition, funds will be used to redecorate the interior, a new shed for the storage of tents and an interactive white board. The project will improve the existing infrastructure of the Scouts in Jersey, which is used by the wider community, ensuring that we can continue to provide opportunities and adventure for young people on the island regardless of their socio-economic background, and a valued community facility.

The project means that the buildings are better for the environment in the long term and provide employment for local businesses in the short term. The principal economic impact will be felt through the work created by this project. The works will ensure that the hall remains a facility fit for community and Scout use, whilst also improving its environmental characteristics through improved glazing. The materials used will be provided by local suppliers, and the fitting carried out by small Jersey firms using skilled Jersey labour. In a wider context the project will enable Scout volunteers in Jersey to focus on providing young people with skills for life, skills they will take with them into their future and the future of Jersey, enabling them to contribute to our economy. Work is underway and is due to complete in June 2022.

20-160 Jersey Scouts Association – Refurbishment of Les Creux Scout Hall Construction Project (Multiple trades)

£93,200

The refurbishment project consists of stripping and restoration of the building envelope, reroofing the hall, relaying some of the internal flooring and replacing the boiler and some of the related pipework. The building is used by the wider community and provides opportunities for young people on the island regardless of their social-economic background.

Scouts is an inclusive and diverse organisation which aims to give as many young people as possible, skills for life. It is a youth shaped organisation which aims to enable young people to have the opportunity to have a positive impact in their local community. Providing funding to refurbish aspects of the hall will enable volunteers to focus on a quality Scout programme to the benefit of the young people.

The project will increase activity in the construction industry for the short duration of the project, principally in the plumbing and roofing trades. It will ensure that the Les Creux Scout Hall has improved environmental efficiency through a new boiler and a building envelope/roof which will provide a long-term solution for the building. Work on this project is underway and due to complete in June 2022.

20-161 Jersey Scouts Association – Refurbishment of Jersey Scout's Centre St Ouen Construction Project  

£244,100

This project is for the renovation of the building and its surroundings. The building will be stripped and repainted, doors and windows will be replaced along with the roof. The centre is used by the wider community and provides opportunities of adventure for young people on the island regardless of their social-economic background.

Scouts as an organisation wishes to enable participation across the socio-economic spectrum, this includes giving those young people in deprived areas the opportunity to meet in a structured environment, have impact within their community and develop lifelong skills which serve them later in life. The hall facilitates this as it provides a site where Scout and other youth groups can have residential experiences at low cost, whilst enabling access to Jersey's excellent County Park.

The replacement of exterior doors and windows which have suffered with the exposed nature of the site as well as the upgrading and zoning of the heating system will improve the environmental characteristics of the buildings. All exterior works to the site will be carried out to minimise impact in this conservation area of the Island.

3. Health and Social Care (HCS)

20-131 – Jersey Hospice Care – Recruiting and Training of 5 Health Care Assistants Skills and Training  

£75,725

This project was to create additional posts for Health Care Assistants. Training for the new posts takes up to 6 months and the recruitment process has identified three successful candidates. The candidates are receiving their mandatory training and are on track to continue in their roles. The project has been extended to allow for the recruitment of more people within the allocated budget.

20-136 Domiciliary Care Market Stimulation Skills and Training  

£621,500  

The Domiciliary Care Market Stimulation project is a skills-led, economic development and market stimulation project, providing targeted, temporary, and timely support to encourage skills development and new employees into local care market.

The project has offered training support as well as career prospects to a range of stakeholders from NEETS (Not in Employment, Education or Training) (18+ due to regulatory requirements) to those actively seeking work (ASW). The opportunity has also been available to those finding themselves economically inactive or underactive in the aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The project has aimed to create an environment in which providers of Home Care can grow through employment of new recruits, training of existing employees and providing guaranteed demand into the local market to match new employment with commissioned packages of care.

The project has:

• Promoted and advertised careers within Homecare as a career of choice with development pathways and as an entry point to a career in Health and Social Care.

• Provided funding for training courses.

• Provided funding to employers for training hours (i.e., the scheme will pay for time the employees spend on training).

• Provided a bridging fund for employment of new employees to enable new supply into the market before employees are matched with commissioned packages of care, i.e., pump prime the employment

This project has aimed to recruit 100 new staff and up skill 50 existing employees within the sector. There are many barriers to recruitment and retention in this sector:

• Lack of skilled capacity in the existing workforce

• Lack of capacity in on-island training programmes especially at higher levels

• Lack of coordinated training for mandatory elements of training

• Difficulty attracting new employees into the marketplace

• Issues with off island recruitment and migration

• Pay disparity between service providers

4. Infrastructure, Housing and Environment (IHE)

20-057 Springfield

Construction Project (Expansion of facilities with multiple trades) £1,964,558

This project will see the conversion of existing facilities to improve the sports offering and form part of the Fort Regent decant strategy. The project will benefit the whole community and will help with physical and mental wellbeing. It will create local jobs and have a long-term benefit on the economy. The new facilities will provide:

• Improved gym facilities for Active Gym and classes with proper ventilation and best equipment

• Enable the continuation of the exercise referral scheme following decant of Fort Regent

• An upgrade to the football facilities to meet the standard required for Jersey Bulls to compete in higher level leagues

• Act as an enabler to the redevelopment of the Fort Regent project which will support increase in visitor numbers to Jersey by c.12%.

The central location of Springfield together with the town hoppa bus will ensure that gym access is maintained in a sustainable manner. The key focus is the following:

• Conversion of the existing sports hall to create a new extensive, high-quality health and fitness facility and group fitness studios.

• Conversion of the existing fitness suite to create good-sized high quality additional studio and martial arts spaces.

• Provision of re-modelled, extended, and additional parking to accommodate increased use and the relocation of the existing play area closer to the multi-use games area.

There have been issues relating to the project because of the complexity of the implementation of the project and its position within the overall sports strategy. On this basis the project has been granted an extension until 30 June 2022 with any expenditure after that date being met directly from departmental funds.

20- 060 7 Overseas (Jersey) Squadron, Air Cadets – Air Cadets Building Maintenance Construction Project (Refurbishment project with multiple trades)

£203,600

This project is for the refurbishment and upgrade of Air Cadet facilities which will improve conditions and create an outdoor classroom, store, outdoor gym and improve outdoor space. The building will benefit not only young people but the wider community.

The planning application has been approved and the contractor is in place. The project is moving forward but there have been various associated issues with material supplies and contractor engagement that have lengthened the completion period.

20-150 Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust – Warty House and other works (As part of Gorilla Project)  Construction Project (Multiple trades)

£980,000

This project is part of a multi-phased project which has the aim of providing the Gorillas with a new home. This part of the project is to construct a new warty pig enclosure, carry out work on new trees and hedges, construct a service road and create a temporary boundary wall. The Trust is also committed to aligning its operations with the Carbon Neutral Strategy as published in late 2019.

The Trust intends to use this project to demonstrate how it has been reducing its carbon footprint and through its operations make better use of renewable technology such as solar PV, grey water and rainwater harvesting and green / living' walls and rooves.

The enabling works contains significant ecological mitigation to offset the loss of trees by additional planting and hedgerow construction thereby providing an overall nett gain. The Jersey Zoo site operations for Scope 1, 2 and some of 3 will be carbon neutral from 2021 onwards. The scheme also includes a main foul sewer connection to reduce the requirement for septic tank storage and the subsequent need for tanker transport. This in part helps also to address the Sustainable Transport Policy by reducing road transport. In addition, Durrell has developed a Green Transport Strategy for the Jersey Zoo site.

20-153 Healing Waves – Adaptive Surf Centre Construction Project

£411,000

This project will see the creation of an adaptive surf centre. This will benefit people with disabilities by breaking down barriers to allow them to experience water sports. Healing Waves provides sessions to 200 residents and delivers sessions every day throughout the school holidays. The project will see the creation of an educational area where water safety and awareness will be taught. The project has received planning permission and initial works have begun.

Land clearance of the top layer of dune soil has been undertaken with the help of Nurture Ecology and several protected toads were relocated. The earthworks contractor has reduced the land level to match the road and the site is now enclosed with fencing. Work has also been completed to repair drainage from the adjacent public toilets.

Healing Waves have been required, through Planning Conditions, to incorporate a public disabled toilet / changing facility within their adaptive surf centre, at a cost of £46,166, which has increased the build cost beyond that which was bid for through the Fiscal Stimulus project. IHE have agreed to fund the additional £46,166 from the Discrimination Law, Safeguarding and Regulation of Care allocation in the 2022 – 2025 Government Plan. The ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the facility will remain with Healing Waves.

20-027 Jersey Baptist Church – Facilities Modernisation Construction Project (Replacement project with specific trades) £164,850

The Jersey Baptist Church provides services to children, families, and the community. This project will improve and modernise the church facilities providing a better experience for those users.

By upgrading the facility, the Church are able to provide more children's programmes with three dedicated staff  members  devoted  to  children's  and  youth  work.  There  are  three  midweek  term-time  children's programmes, five Sunday children's groups, as well as a regular programme of seasonal community outreach events and holiday clubs which reach over 300 young people. The project will also contribute to the island's economy through direct investment in multiple sectors, as well as enabling Jersey Baptist Church to grow and consider creating additional staff positions to facilitate growing church programmes.

The project will also protect the environment by aiming to engage in green projects which will improve insulation, save water and save energy. Work has been completed on upgrading the plumbing and heating system, as well as relining an office, replacing carpets, and creating a covered buggy and bike store. A glass balustrade has been installed on the upper seating area to improve the health and safety of the church. Capacity has been increased by 100 as a result.

The project has been granted to complete the refurbishment and replacement of the windows. All windows were originally planned to be refurbished but once work commenced it was discovered that the west facing windows were more damaged than envisaged. These windows will now be replaced. Planning permission has been granted in March 2022.

5. Department of Economy (DoE)

20-024 Jersey Heritage – Hamptonne Agricultural Museum Construction Project (Refurbishment project with multiple trades) £1,308,114

The project will create an agricultural museum to improve the experience of children, locals and visitors. The space will enable formal learning with school groups, private and event hire, enhancing tourism offerings. The project will include:

• A new two storey building to replace the existing toilet block

• Landscaping works to level the site and ramps installed to provide improved access

• The external courtyard area will be improved with the addition of a new pergola to provide solar shading

• Inclusion of disabled toilet and changing room facilities

20-025 Jersey Heritage – La Hougue Bie Gallery and Workshop Construction Project (Refurbishment project with multiple trades) £271,302  

The original project was to complete two elements that complete the site masterplan of 2015, by updating the current exhibition space to modern standards and creating a new building to house equipment on site. The costings received, however, do not allow for the project to be able to afford the whole of the original intention and this project will now concentrate on the gallery space.

Planning and bye-law consents are in place for the external structure and a bye-law application has been submitted for changes to the gallery space. All demolition, strip out excavation and drainage works are now complete with foundation and structural works nearing completion. The works are programmed for 18 weeks with forecast completion on 23 May 2022.

20-091 Jersey Heritage – Membership, website, supporting systems upgrades Technology Project

£226,641

This project will invest in the technology used by Jersey Heritage to update its membership system, website, Electronic Point of Sale system and accounting system. This project will upgrade the website so that it easier for the community, Jersey Heritage members and tourists to use the platform. Once the project is complete there will be no further ongoing costs.

Work has started on the website. The analyses have commenced and is still progressing for the EPOS, Membership & ERP elements of the system. The project is due to be completed by May 2022.

20-174 National Trust – Morel Farm Project Construction Project

£2,166,425

The Morel Farm project includes the repair and refurbishment of the Morel Farm farmhouse to a four- bedroom self-catering unit and the conversion of the bakehouse to a one-bedroom self-catering unit. Work ongoing on site in line with the proposed programme of works. To date the site has been established; substructures complete; internal waterproofing complete; roofing works ongoing; MEP works ongoing in both buildings; internal repairs ongoing; window repairs ongoing; upper floor repairs complete; external pointing works complete; structure to bake house ongoing; internal walls and closing up commenced.

4. Conclusion

The majority of projects have now been completed with the social and economic benefits demonstrated in the individual project summaries. It is heartening to feel the reach of these projects and see how they have impacted the community. The next report will detail the finalisation of the remaining projects and review the overall economic impact of the programme. The Fund will be closed by December 2022 in line with the original proposition.

Minister for Treasury and Resources May 2022