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Privileges and Procedures Committee: Diversity Forum Meeting 15: 12 October 2021
Members present: Deputy L.M.C. Doublet (Chair), Senator S.Y. Mézec , Connétable K. Shenton-Stone of St. Martin , Deputy C.S. Alves of St. Helier and Deputy I. Gardiner of St. Helier
Apologies: Senator K.L. Moore , Connétable R. Buchanan of St. Ouen , Deputy K. Morel of St. Lawrence , Deputy J.H. Perchard of St. Saviour and Deputy K. Pamplin of St. Saviour
- Minutes of the meeting on 13 July 2021
The minutes of the meeting on 13 July 2021 were approved.
In relation to item 2 (forthcoming business of the States), Senator Mézec said that he had raised recommendations of the gender audit of the States Assembly relating to appointments to positions in the Assembly with the Democratic Accountability and Governance Sub-Committee but, after some debate, they had not found favour with a majority of the Sub-Committee's members.
In relation to item 3 (progress on 2020-22 strategy) the Greffier said the planning application for nameplates and information boards for rooms in the States Building was now making progress, albeit slowly.
In relation to item 4 (civic engagement event) the Connétable of St. Martin agreed to liaise with the other Connétable s who were members of the Forum about arranging a civic engagement event (or events) at parish level.
In relation to item 6 (Invitation to Helen Pankhurst to meet States Members) the Chair said that she and the Greffier had met Hannah Swirsky from the Centenary Action Group over the summer. They had discussed a possible online seminar for States Members, for example on bullying and harassment in parliament, with the involvement of a UK MP. The Chair said she would follow this up.
- Forthcoming business of the States
The Chair drew attention to a recent report presented to the States, entitled Reappointment of members of the Jersey Appointments Commission (R.158/2021) and suggested that it could provide an opportunity for Members to debate the membership and remit of the Commission, neither of which she felt was entirely satisfactory. In answer to a question about why the reappointments had not been brought before the States for decision, the Greffier said that few public appointments were now made directly by the States and it was customary for reports to be presented about appointments which were due to be made, in time for any concerns to be raised with the relevant minister. In terms of the remit of the Commission, he understood that draft legislation would be lodged in due course to alter the constitution and remit of the Commission and that would be the appropriate time for the Forum to intervene.
The Forum also discussed whether to provide advice to the Privileges and Procedures Committee (PPC) about the future format of States meetings, including whether hybrid arrangements should continue indefinitely. After some discussion, and noting that two Members of PPC were members of the Forum and present, it was decided not to provide formal advice and to leave the matter to PPC.
- Culture in the States Assembly: dealing effectively with poor behaviour. As a number of Members were not in attendance itwas agreed to defer discussion of this matter to the next meeting.
- Diversity of recruitment to States appointed boards and arm's length organisations
As a number of Members were not in attendance it was agreed to defer discussion of this matter to the next meeting.
- Action plan for a diverse and inclusive society
As a number of Members were not in attendance it was agreed to defer discussion of this matter to the next meeting. The Greffier was asked to draw Members' attention to the three items deferred to the next meeting and to request that priority be given to attendance.
Next meeting: Tuesday 30 November, 2.30pm