Policy to enforce States Members Code of Conduct

2025.10.21

4.6   Deputy M.R. Scott of St. Brelade of the Chair of the Privileges and Procedures Committee regarding a written policy setting out the manner in which the Code of Conduct for Elected Members would be enforced (OQ.228/2025):

Will the chair advise whether the P.P.C. (Privileges and Procedures Committee) has produced a written policy setting out the manner in which the Code of Conduct for elected Members will be enforced to ensure fair and consistent treatment of Members and consideration of mitigating factors and, if not, why not?

Deputy S.M. Ahier of St. Helier North (Chair, Privileges and Procedures Committee):

The Privileges and Procedures Committee has not produced such a written policy. The Deputy is aware that P.P.C. is working on amendments to the Code of Conduct. An earlier proposition was withdrawn in order to make changes and the committee will return with a revised proposition in due course. As with the previous version, however, the revised code will be accompanied by guidance that is intended to help everyone, including Members, understand how the code works and how it is administered. There is otherwise already clarity regarding the process for complaints, and the Commissioner for Standards has published a report outlining her approach to her responsibilities. Both the commissioner and P.P.C. must follow the provisions laid out in the Commissioner for Standards Law and in Standing Orders. The code and those provisions provide for the fair and consistent treatment of Members. Any mitigating factors presented by Members in respect of the code are considered by P.P.C., and I have no doubt by the commissioner as well.

4.6.1 Deputy M.R. Scott :

Will this guidance extend to the handling of complaints by the P.P.C.? For example, I have one Islander who contacted me regarding the communication regarding a Member's conduct that he sent to the former chair, on which he has heard nothing, not even a suggestion that he should contact the Commissioner for Standards directly. Will such guidance or a policy be provided so that there is some transparency so that States Members and the public can know whether the P.P.C.'s values are in line with their own?

Deputy S.M. Ahier :

Guidance for policy will certainly be included in the Code of Conduct. I understand that the Member has made a contribution to P.P.C. where she has made suggestions for changes to that policy, which will be brought before the end of this term; I am confident of that. As regards reporting to the commissioner, it is all members of the public's right to report any allegations or possible breaches of the Code of Conduct to the commissioner. I will most certainly advise members of the public and Members to do such.

Deputy M.R. Scott :

Just a point, I do not believe the chair answered my question which was about an actual policy regarding the handling of complaints.

The Deputy Bailiff :

Chair, did you cover that about complaints? Deputy S.M. Ahier :

Yes, Sir. If any complaints are received by the P.P.C. they will be brought up by the P.P.C. at their general meetings.