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STATES OF JERSEY
APPOINTMENT OF NON-ELECTED MEMBERS ON SCRUTINY PANELS
Lodged au Greffe on 12th September 2023 by Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade
Earliest date for debate: 3rd October 2023
STATES GREFFE
2023 P.70
PROPOSITION
THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion
to request the Privileges and Procedures Committee, in consultation with the Scrutiny Liaison Committee, to bring forward amendments to the Standing Orders of the States of Jersey in order that independent members may be appointed to Scrutiny Panels on request of a Panel Chair, on the same basis, and with at least the same terms and safeguards, as independent members may be appointed to the Public Accounts Committee.
DEPUTY M.R. SCOTT OF ST. BRELADE
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P.70/2023
REPORT
Scrutiny is established to hold Ministers to account for their decisions and actions.
In order to do so, we need to be able to ensure that the panels have access to informed and expert advice. Whilst we are able to consult and even commission external reviews, it could be of enormous benefit to panels to be able to appoint independent members.
The Public Accounts Committee (the "PAC") is established with a requirement to have 50% of its members as persons who are not members of the States. I am not saying that this should be the case for all Panels – rather that there should be the option for Panels which may require expert input to seek external membership. The application of the proven safeguards and process utilised for the PAC simplifies the process, leveraging off an established and well monitored system.
In addition, I would remind Members that the non-elected Members of the PAC are not paid – they are voluntary members who give up their time for their Island. I am proposing that the same would apply to any independent members on Panels.
This proposition is about helping the Panels provide the best possible Scrutiny for the Island.
Financial and staffing implications
There are negligible financial implications. Manpower implications would include the work of the PPC and the SLC, along with the relevant Officer time for drafting the necessary changes to Standing Orders.
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P.70/2023