Support Scheme for Individuals Qualifying to Represent Jersey in Off-Island Competitions

STATES OF JERSEY

 SUPPORT SCHEME FOR INDIVIDUALS QUALIFYING TO REPRESENT JERSEY IN OFF-ISLAND COMPETITIONS

Lodged au Greffe on 19th November 2024 by Deputy R.S. Kovacs of St. Saviour Earliest date for debate: 10th December 2024

STATES GREFFE

2024  P.82

PROPOSITION

THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion to request the Minister for Sustainable Economic Development –

1. to establish a permanent support scheme, funded through the Arts, Heritage, and Culture budget, or other relevant sources, to a maximum of £500,000 per annum, to provide subsidies of up to £2,000 per individual per year for costs related to off-Island participation in sports, arts, academic or other similar competitions for which a qualification or selection process is required for those representing Jersey, with such subsidies to be accessible to fund relevant travel, accommodation,  related  uniform  or  equipment,  competition  fees,  and associated costs for a responsible carer to accompany a participating minor or an adult with care and support needs; and
2. to commence the subsidy scheme in the first quarter of 2025, according to feasibility  and  existing  resources,  with  a  view  to  full  development  and implementation of the scheme before the end of 2025.

DEPUTY R.S. KOVACS OF ST. SAVIOUR

REPORT

This proposal seeks Assembly's approval for a permanent financial support scheme offering grants of up to £2,000 to assist talented performers representing Jersey in off- island competitions across sports, arts, and academics. The grants will cover essential travel-related  expenses,  including  competition  fees,  accommodation,  uniforms, equipment and costs for a responsible carer to accompany a minor or an adult with care needs.

By supporting Jersey's talented ambassadorswhether in sports, arts, or academics we are investing in a brighter, more inspiring future for our island. It doesn't matter whether they shine with their minds or their muscles; what matters is celebrating the talent at the heart of our identity and showcasing our rich cultural heritage.

The up to £2,000 Grant

The £2,000 figure is based on feedback to the media from participants in various off- island competitions, who indicated that this amount typically covers their expenses when competing abroad. While some may require less and others more, this figure provides a reasonable average.

It is important to note, that for some disciplines, individuals may need to qualify through multiple smaller competitionsoften in the UKto accumulate the necessary points to progress to higher levels, such as competing for Team GB or representing Jersey in global competitions like Olympics in different disciplines. This progression path should also  be  taken  into  account  and  the  proposed  annual  support  capped  amount  per individual should be flexible enough to allow for multiple qualifying competitions, whether closer to home off-island or for more distant international events, ensuring fairness and flexibility in supporting all types of representation.

Current Funding Gaps

At present, there are a number of fragmented grantsboth public and privatefocused on supporting in some form some performing talent in sports and the arts. However, these funds often fall short of what is needed and it's sufficient for very few.

Some grants are also only available if participants are part of a club or association, but everyone should have the opportunity to apply directly, ensuring fairness and avoiding discrimination. Coaches, teachers, or trainers should also be able to apply on behalf of a team, for a lump sum based on the individual number of participants, with each participant's approval, helping to reduce costs by sharing them.

Existing grants also often fail to provide the certainty, consistency or the level of reasonable funding that participants need when  entering any qualifying level and representing Jersey abroad. This lack of support can lead to stress and demotivation, particularly for those working hard to compete at a higher and higher level. This proposal seeks  to change that. If you qualify to represent Jersey, you should be automatically  eligible  for  funding  to  cover  related  costs,  provided  the  necessary safeguards and evidence are in place.

Scope of the Support Scheme

The scheme would encompass individuals across a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Sports and Athletics: Individual and team sports such as athletics, football, rugby, swimming, and many more.

• Arts and Culture: Performing arts like dance, theatre, music, and visual arts such as painting and sculpture.

• Academics  and Intellectual  Competitions:  Participants  in maths  and  STEM competitions, chess tournaments, and other intellectual fields.

Each grant, capped at £2,000 per person/per year, would support expenses related to competition participation, including:

• Travel  and  Transportation:  Essential  travel  costs  for  national  and international events.

• Competition Fees: Entry fees or registration costs for events.

• Accommodation: Lodging expenses during the competition.

• Uniforms and Kits:  Team jersey uniform, performance uniforms, and required equipment.

• Related Chaperones costs: necessary associated costs for a responsible carer to accompany a participating minor or an adult with care and support needs

It should be  noted  that the  intent of the  scheme is  to provide  support for those representing the Island in an uncontracted capacity1 (that is, are not paid or otherwise contracted for these activities).

Administrative Safeguards and Accountability

To ensure responsible use of funds and maintain financial accountability grant recipients would be required to:

• Declare  any  other  support:  Applicants  must  declare  any  additional funding  from  other  associations,  ensuring  that  Jersey's  support complements rather than duplicates existing resources.

• Submit a post-competition expense validation: Upon return, recipients must provide proof of expenditure (receipts and invoices). Any unutilised or excess funds will be returned to the scheme for redistribution to future applicants.

These  safeguards  would  protect  public  funds  and  ensure  grants  are  allocated appropriately, maximizing impact.

There are a range of important reasons for supporting Island representatives:

1. Promoting Jersey's reputation internationally

Individuals  (or  teams)  competing  on  international  stages  serve  as  powerful ambassadors, representing Jersey's identity, culture, and talent. Their achievements enhance Jersey's reputation globally and bring recognition to the Island.

1 In line with the terms of the Sports Jersey Travel Grant

2. Encouraging excellence and inspiring future generations

Supporting  talented  individuals  fosters  a  culture  of  excellence,  inspiring  younger generations to pursue their passions. This initiative demonstrates that dedication and talent are valued in Jersey, motivating emerging talents across all disciplines.

3. Addressing the financial strain of high-level competition

Competing internationally requires significant financial investment. Without support, talented  individuals  may  miss  opportunities,  limiting  both  personal  and  national potential. This scheme would alleviate financial burdens, allowing performers to focus on preparation and performance.

4. Acknowledging personal sacrifices

Competitors dedicate countless hours to training and studying while balancing other commitments. Providing financial support acknowledges their sacrifices, creating a supportive environment that values dedication and resilience.

5. Promoting inclusivity and diversity in representation

The scheme emphasizes inclusivity by supporting excellence across a broad spectrum of disciplines. By recognizing varied forms of talent, Jersey shows its commitment to a diverse society that celebrates all avenues of achievement.

Arts, Culture, and Heritage

The proposed financial support scheme is linked to enhancing Jersey's arts, culture, and heritage, particularly through its support for all types of competitors. Some of the areas of benefit are as follows –

• Showcasing Jersey's cultural identity

• Integrating sport, arts, and academics

• Increasing community pride and engagement

• Inspiring future generations

• Enhancing tourism and cultural exchange

• Reflecting Jersey's values and commitment to excellence

The proposed Support Scheme represents a vital investment in Jersey's future by supporting  athletic,  artistic  and  academic  competitors.  This  initiative  strengthens Jersey's identity, fosters community pride, and enhances its global reputation. By integrating support for sports and academics into the broader cultural narrative, the scheme enriches Jersey's arts, culture, and heritage, creating a legacy of excellence that celebrates diverse talents across all disciplines.

The scheme should also be considered in conjunction with the Island's Arts Strategy published in 2022, promoting the idea of a Creative Island. This proposal can be an important step in furthering one of the key principals of the Arts Strategy –

In turn this is backed by a Music Strategy published in May 2024 – A Music Manifesto for Jersey. Again, this refers to championing musical excellence through national and international partnership – so the Island becomes known as a place of opportunity and creativity.

It is providing that level of opportunity, for all, that this amendment seeks to support. Conclusion

This amendment proposes the establishment of a grant scheme that will provide crucial financial  support  to  Jersey  inhabitants,  enabling  them  to  represent  the  island  on international  stages.  The  initiative  reinforces  Jersey's  commitment  to  its  talented individuals, acknowledges their sacrifices, and secures a legacy of excellence in a wide array of fields.

Ultimately, this financial support scheme not only helps Jersey's talent performers reach new heights but also strengthens the island's identity as a thriving place of talent, culture, and community - a message that resonates both within and beyond its borders.

We tell our young generation that the sky is the limitlet's make sure that message doesn't stop at the water's edge!

Financial and staffing implications

The proposed funding for this support scheme is allocated from the Arts, Culture, and Heritage budget within the Sustainable Economic Development department. With the recent  approval  of  P.69/2024  (Funding  for  Culture,  Arts  and  Heritage) and  the corresponding return to the original funding formula for Culture, Arts and Heritage, there  is  an  unanticipated potential uplift of around  £700,000 to the  draft Budget (Government Plan) 2025-2028.

This amount was specified within the Council of Ministers' comments paper in relation to P.69/2024 -

Even without including these additional funds, the allocation in the original budget draft for Culture, Arts, and Heritage was approximately £11 million. Within this allocation, there is a portion earmarked for community events that may arise, though not all are necessarily planned. In my view, it would be beneficial to redirect part of these funds to support Jersey's talentour island's most prominent ambassadorswho represent Jersey abroad.

If the Minister with the Council of Ministers can identify a better alternative funding source, a combination of sources, or redirect existing grants from different organizations or private funding to support even part of this initiative, I am happy for those options to be considered too, provided the funding remains sustainable and the intent of the proposition is achieved at the same level.

The funding could be managed within existing resources, for example by the newly established Performance Sport Strategy Committee, which focuses on selecting top talent for development, training, and support, where it could also involve representation from the Art Grants Committee and an academic representative. However, I don't want to be prescriptive and limit options, and I trust the Minister will find the best way to also administer the scheme.

A preliminary estimate of the major events suggests that around 300 people could participate each year in high-level international competitions (some of these participants will have other funding sources and might not need the full amount).

This estimate breaks down as follows –

Island Games

As can be expected the largest participation of Islanders is within the Island Games, held every two years – the attending figures of which are as follows –

Dance World Cup

Held every year, participation from Jersey Dance Schools is often every two years, with only one dance school going in the year where the others are not –

Commonwealth Games

Held every four years. Funding would act as a bridging loan to allow participants to attend  –  costs  are  then  refunded  by  the  Commonwealth  Games  Association  for attendees. In 2022, 28 Islanders competed in Birmingham.

Sporting Teams can also be supported through the subsidy however a number of such teams are already in receipt of funding through relevant sporting associations. The scheme will ensure safeguards are in place to avoid any duplication or misuse of funding.

Besides  the  above,  participation  of  Islanders  in  arts,  academic  or  other  eligible competitions, are low in number usually in single digits.

Based on the information above and participation across disciplines highlighted in the media in the last few years, I estimate the total funding needed for the scheme would be no more than £600,000 (£2,000 per person for 300 individuals). This takes into account that not all competitions occur every year, and not all disciplines will be competing in the same year.

It should be noted that £125,000 is already set aside for travel grants under Jersey Sport, but within the current framework there are limited allocations per person (£20). With proper planning, we can utilise these funds to top up the funding proposed within this proposition to the estimated requirement of £600,000. This will ensure that our funding is inclusive and meets the needs outlined in the proposal, supporting our talented performers across all fields.

Children's Rights Impact Assessment

A Children's Rights Impact Assessment (CRIA) has been prepared in relation to this proposition and is available to read on the States Assembly website.