Membership of the Diversity sub-Panel and Privileges and Procedures Panel

WQ.264/2024

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHAIR OF THE PRIVILEGES AND PROCEDURES

COMMITTEE

BY DEPUTY M.R. SCOTT OF ST. BRELADE

QUESTION SUBMITTED ON TUESDAY 16th JULY 2024

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 23rd JULY 2024

Question

"Will the Chair –

1. provide a breakdown of the membership of the Privileges and Procedures Committee (PPC) Diversity Forum Sub-Committee in terms of diversity (including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes, religious or ethical values system, national origin, and political beliefs) compared to the membership of the States Assembly and the population of Jersey; and
2. outline what measures PPC and the Diversity Forum are taking to ensure that it is engaging with and effectively representing those people who are not represented or who are underrepresented on the Sub-Committee?"

Answer

1. PPC does not formally monitor or record the characteristics of Diversity Forum Members, although, informally, attempts were made when constituting the Sub-Committee to ensure it was diverse and representative; and PPC is aware of some of the characteristics of Sub-Committee Members.

There are currently 8 members of the PPC Diversity Forum Sub-Committee. Of these, and as far as the PPC is aware, 6 identify as female and 2 identify as male. The average age of members on the Diversity Forum Sub-Committee is 50 which compares to the average age of Members in the States Assembly of 58. The Census Report on the 2021 Jersey Census (R.45/2023) states the mean average age of Jersey residents was 42.3 years, the median average was 43 years with female residents having a slightly greater median age (44 years) than male residents (42 years).

With regards to the other matters raised of race, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes, religious or ethical values system, national origin, and political beliefs, the PPC does not hold this information. We have two Members within the Assembly who have spoken openly about being part of the LGBTQ+ community but we do not collate such information specifically. Similarly, some have shared information about their disabilities which they themselves would not wish to be broadly known. The PPC does not believe that this is something for it to convey and it is a matter for the Members concerned how, and with whom, they wish to share this information. Whilst it's vital we have a diverse Assembly with Committees and Panels which reflect the make- up of our community, we should also respect the privacy of Members, when they do not wish to disclose this information.

2. The PPC does not believe at this time that minorities are underrepresented on the Diversity Forum Sub-Committee and, when established, the Sub-Committee was open to any Member who wished to join. The Diversity Forum Sub-Committee recently met with members of Liberate Jersey and discussed building diversity for voters and engaging with politics. Rebuilding trust in marginalised communities within Jersey was also discussed with research due to take place on enquiring as to what was currently in place to protect women and those in minority groups; following which, the Diversity Forum Sub-Committee will endeavour to undertake further work. The Diversity Forum Sub-Committee has recently approved the appointment of Deputy Malcolm Ferey , to join as a member. The Sub-Committee is also aware that the Assistant Chief Minister, Deputy Carina Alves , has been given responsibility within Government of working towards raising the profile of diversity, equality and inclusion over the next 2 years and it is very much hoped that cross- governmental working in these areas will be a priority with Deputy Ferey 's appointment acting as a conduit between the Sub-Committee and Government, allowing insight into these areas and how they are being developed as policy.