Economic Affairs - Approved Panel Minutes - 25 May 2007

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Agenda matter

Action

1.

Retail Interim Review - Key Findings and Conclusions - 3.b

The Panel noted draft Key Findings and Conclusions for the Retail Strategy Review report.

The Panel noted that the issues relating to choice were important and that further consideration was required, it was agreed that this would be included in the full (not interim) report.

The  Panel  considered and  amended the  draft Findings  and Recommendations'.

LK

2.

Orchid Communication - 6

The Panel

welcomed  Mrs  S.  Watts  and  Mr  E. Egglishaw  from  Orchid Communication.  The  Panel  was informed  that Orchid required feedback from  all  Scrutiny  Panels  for  information  on  public engagement practices and needs.

The Panel noted that the Orchid Public Engagement Strategy had been presented to both the Public Engagement Group (PEG) and the Chairman's Committee. It further noted that it was intended as a starting point. The Panel noted that Orchid had produced a time plan for Scrutiny public engagement and education, the first action of which was the production of the newsletter. Orchid detailed the need for a centralised plan for Scrutiny public engagement.

The Panel noted that the General Guide to Scrutiny' provided a basic guide to the Scrutiny process and that the newsletter and website provided information on Scrutiny current activity. It further noted  the  Scrutiny  Public  Engagement  Summary  prepared  by Orchid, 16th April 2007.

The  Panel  and Orchid  representatives  discussed  the  future possibilities for public engagement including the following-

The co-ordination of public engagement across panels and the role of PEG members

• Topic-driven' public engagement, level  of public involvement in relation to the review topic
• How the Panel had previously engaged with the public
• The  effect  of  reports  in  the Jersey  Evening  Post  on attendance at public hearings
• Target audiences
• Possibilities  of  direct  communication  at  organisation meetings of groups such as Institute of Directors, Women's Institute, Société Jersiaise and Trade Unions
• The potentials and limitations of evening workshops
• The need to inform the public of Scrutiny as a vehicle to presenting ideas to Government.
• The Panel's present level of public engagement
• The role of the Panel Chairman in relation to the media

The Panel  noted  that  there was  a  need  for  increased  public education and increased provision of general information regarding Scrutiny and  processes  of  involvement,  in  addition  to publicity based on specific topics.