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Children, Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel
Records of Meetings
Year: 2023
The following records of meetings have been approved by the Panel. Signed
Chair
Children, Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey |
Apologies | Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair |
Absent |
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In attendance | Jane Lancaster-Adlam, Head of Inclusion, Department for Children, Education, Young People and Skills Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Briefing: Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) support and inclusion The Panel attended the Education Department building at Highlands College campus to meet Jane Lancaster-Adlam, Head of Inclusion for a briefing on Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) support and inclusion. This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 36 and a private record was taken. |
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2. Visit to Le Sente Primary School The Panel visited Le Sente Primary School, St Saviour's Hill, St Saviour, Jersey (adjacent to the Highlands College Campus) to learn more about the special educational provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The Panel was provided with a tour of the school by the Head of Inclusion. The Panel had the opportunity to see the facilities in the school and briefly met with the Headteacher. The Panel heard about some of the challenges created by the physical space, for example, listed interiors in parts of the building. The Panel was advised about how the challenges were being approached. The Panel viewed a new soft play area, which had replaced a former workshop classroom, and the canteen area which had been recently redecorated by the charity Arthouse Jersey. The Panel was advised that the new Gas Place primary school was intended to site a Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Additional Resource Centre (ARC) facility for 24 pupils, that would likely be the long-term replacement for the Le Sente Primary School. The Panel thanked the Head of Inclusion for her time, and the site visit was concluded. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey |
Apologies | Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair |
Absent |
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In attendance | Deputy Malcolm Ferey , Assistant Minister for Social Security Paul McGinnety, Director of Local Services, Customer and Local Services (online via Teams) Dario Gentili, Disability Project Manager, Customer and Local Services Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Briefing: Disability Audits The Panel received Deputy Malcolm Ferey , Assistant Minister for Social Security (with responsibility for the Disability and Inclusion Strategy) and Dario Gentili, Disability Project Manager for a briefing on the Disability Strategy and accessibility audits undertaken by the Government of Jersey for its property estate. The Panel had requested the briefing and noted its interest in the accessibility of buildings in the Government's property estate which related to aspects of its remit. Namely the ease of use of facilities by: i) children and their families (as per the Panel's Children and Education remit); or ii) for disabled people in emergency situations and the emergency services (as per Home Affairs remit). This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35 and a private record was taken. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Member |
Apologies | Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair |
Absent |
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In attendance | Item 2 only: Tom Walker , Director General, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance (SPPP) Andrew Heaven, Head of Policy, SPPP Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel decided to defer the approval of its records of meetings until its next meeting. |
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2. Briefing on the Amendment to the Commissioner for Children and Young People (Jersey) Law 2019 The Panel welcomed Tom Walker , Director General, SPPP and Andrew Heaven, Head of Policy, to the meeting for a briefing on the proposed amendment to the Commissioner for Children and Young People (Jersey) Law 2019. This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 36 and a private record was taken. |
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3. Further Education and Skills Actionable Agenda Report (Agenda') The Panel noted the briefing it received in respect of the Agenda on 8th December 2022 from the Minister for Children and Education (the Minister') and the Assistant Manager, Children, Young People, Education and Skills. Since that time the Panel had identified a number of points that it wished to highlight to the Minister, together with a number of queries about the Agenda. The Panel considered and approved a draft letter to the Minister which noted the following points: "1. The Panel welcomes the proposed actions to address challenges in respect of further education and skills.
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not be a barrier to analysis of the skills systems provision in Nordic countries, that would deepen understanding of the potential impact of greater spending by Jersey in this area. 4. The Panel believes it would be beneficial to keep abreast of the scope and variety of undergraduate and post-graduate courses run by universities and colleges." The Panel also considered and approved several questions for inclusion in the draft letter to the Minister. The Panel asked the officer to make the necessary arrangements for sending the letter to the Minister. | KdC / BW |
4. Briefing on Disability Strategy The Panel noted that it had received a briefing on the Government's Disability Strategy and accessibility audits on 11th January 2023. The Panel noted that it requested a further briefing from the Assistant Minister for Social Security and Disability Project Manager on the matters discussed in due course, but that no immediate actions were recorded. |
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5. Briefing on Divorce Reform The Panel noted that it was scheduled to receive a briefing on Tuesday 31st January on the project to reform divorce legislation in Jersey. |
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6. Review: Government Plan 2023-2026 The Panel noted that the Ministerial Response to its Government Plan 2023-26 Review Report was due to be received on 24th January 2023. The Panel discussed and reflected on its Government Plan 2023-26 review. The Panel noted that, as it was the first large review undertaken by the Panel in this term of office, it was not possible to evaluate it through comparisons to prior experience. Concern was noted about the significant time pressure for conducting the review, particularly the quantum of information that was provided after the start of the 10-week lodging period for the Government Plan. It was also noted that there had been a period where the Panel had a particularly busy schedule of hearings, briefings, and visits in a short space of time, which was challenging for members. The Panel noted that no feedback had been received from stakeholders in relation to the review process. The officer explained that requests for feedback would be approached differently for future reviews, to encourage constructive feedback from stakeholders. The Panel agreed to reflect further on what went well for the review, and what could be improved, for future reviews. The officer invited feedback to be provided at any time. |
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7. Draft Marriage and Civil Partnership (Amendments) (Jersey) Law 202- The Panel noted that it had approved and lodged a comments paper in respect of the Draft Marriage and Civil Partnership (Amendments) (Jersey) Law 202- (P.112/2022) on 12th January 2023. |
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8. Ministerial Decisions The Panel reviewed the Ministerial Decisions listed on gov.je for the Minister for Children and Education and the Minister for Home Affairs and noted that the website did not appear to be up to date. The Panel asked its officer to query this and request that copies of all Ministerial Decisions be provided for both the Minister for Children and Education and the Minister for Home Affairs to date. The officer undertook to request the relevant information and share it with the Panel on Teams. | KdC / BW |
9. Beaulieu Convent School – staff changes and governance The Panel noted the recent news about staff changes at Beaulieu Convent School, with particular reference to its senior management team. The Panel was aware of a petition started by parents which called for an independent review of the governance of the school and the reinstatement of one former staff member. The Panel requested its officer brief it further on: i) the relationship between the grant aided schools and the Government of Jersey, including the jurisdiction of the Government / Minister to get involved with any dispute; and ii) whether any further information was available from the Minister for Children and Education's office with regards to the current situation at the school. | KdC |
10. Milli's Separated Family Centre The Panel noted the recent news that Milli's Separated Family Centre (Milli's) was to close. Milli's was run by a charity that did not receive any government funding. The service provided by Milli's included a place for children to meet with a non-resident parent in location where the two parents would not have to meet each other. The setup allowed a chid to maintain a parental relationship with a non-resident parent and was used in instances of disagreeable family breakdowns and / or to stop children witnessing hostile behaviour. The reason for the closure was reported to be because of the new Children's Social Care Standards launched by the Jersey Care Commission. The Chair advised that, in her own capacity, she had submitted a written question to the Minister for Children and Education on this matter. The Panel agreed to review the Minister's response in due course and consider whether any further action by the Panel was required. | CC |
11. Training requirements The Panel agreed that it would invite the Deputy Greffier of the States and the Assistant Greffier of the States to its meeting on 30th January 2023 to discuss, inter alia: States Assembly procedure in relation to the approval of legislation, and the formal process for Scrutiny when listed as the main respondent in the States Assembly. The officer provided the Panel with an update in respect of the proposed Scrutiny visit to Westminster, London, as part of the training and induction programme. The Panel noted its availability for undertaking the visit in March 2023. | KdC KdC |
12. Work Programme The Panel noted and discussed its current work programme. |
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The Panel agreed that it would begin to scope a scrutiny review of Jersey's Student Finance for higher education. As a high-level starting point for outlining the scope of the review, the Panel agreed that it would focus on the equity of the current grant system. The Panel requested its officer to undertake further background research in relation to a possible review into Secure Accommodation for Children and Young People. | KdC KdC |
13. Future Meetings The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting was due to take place at 10 am on Monday 30th January 2023 in the Le Capelain Room of the States Assembly Building. |
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Date: 30th January 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Member |
Apologies |
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Absent |
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In attendance | Item 7 only: William Millow , Deputy Greffier of the States Yannick Fillieul , Assistant Greffier of the States Item 8 only: Deputy Helen Miles , Minister for Home Affairs Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted and approved the records of meetings held on 14th, 28th and 29th November 2022 and 6th, 8th December 2022 and 10th, 11th and 16th January 2023. |
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2. Briefing on Divorce Reform The Panel noted it was due to receive Government Officers for a private briefing on the project to reform divorce legislation in Jersey, on Tuesday 31st January 2023. |
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3. Briefing on Inclusion The Panel noted it was due to receive the Minister for Children and Education and Government Officers for a private briefing on the Education Reform Inclusion project on 6th February 2023. |
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4. Briefing on Children and Civil Status Law The Panel noted it was due to receive the Assistant Minister for Home Affairs and Government Officers for a private briefing on legislation related to the Children and Civil Status Law on 9th February 2023. |
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5. Review: Government Plan 2023-26 The Panel noted and discussed the Ministerial Response it received from the Minister for Children and Education on 21st January 2023. The Panel noted and discussed the Ministerial Response it received from the Minister for Home Affairs on 1st February 2023. The Panel agreed that it would monitor the accepted recommendations and the target dates for completion in each of the Ministerial Responses. |
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6. Ministerial Decisions The Panel noted that no new Ministerial Decisions had been made for the Panel to consider. The Officer informed the Panel that all Ministerial Decisions would in future be updated and saved in dedicated filing in Microsoft Teams and accessible to the Panel. |
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7. Training Requirements The Panel welcomed the Deputy Greffier of the States and the Assistant Greffier of the States to its meeting, following a request from the Panel to discuss procedural matters related to the operation of the Panel and the States Assembly. The Panel was also provided with a briefing paper, for its reference and the content was duly noted. The Panel thanked the Deputy Greffier of the States and the Assistant Greffier of the States and they left the meeting. |
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8. Minister for Justice and Home Affairs The Panel received the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs for a general discussion on work programmes. This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Absolute Exemption Article 26 and a private record was taken. The Panel thanked the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs and she left the meeting. |
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9. Work Programme The Panel noted and discussed its current work programme. The Panel then noted and discussed the closure of the Millis Separated Family Centre and decided to request further information from the Jersey Care Commission about standards for child contact centres. |
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10. Future Meetings The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting was due to take place at 10 am on Monday 13th February in the States Building, Le Capelain Room. |
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Date: 31st January 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Member |
Apologies |
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Absent |
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In attendance | Maria Washington, Consultant, Treasury and Exchequer Francis Walker , Head of Policy, Strategic, Policy, Planning and Performance Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Briefing: Divorce Reform The Panel received Maria Washington, Consultant, Treasury and Exchequer and Francis Walker , Head of Policy, Strategic, Policy, Planning and Performance for a private briefing on proposals for divorce reform. This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35 and a private record was taken. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair |
Apologies | Connétable Mark Labey , Member |
Absent |
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In attendance | Sarah Hague, Headteacher of Les Quennevais School Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Site Visit: Les Quennevais School The Panel visited Les Quennevais School and was received by the Headteacher for a tour of the new school building and facilities on La Route des Quennvais, St. Brelade . The Panel thanked the Headteacher for her time and the site visit was concluded. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair Connétable Mark Labey |
Apologies |
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Absent |
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In attendance | Deputy Inna Gardiner , Minister for Children and Education Jonathan Williams, Business Change Director Denise Drieu, Programme Director, Education Reform Jane Lancaster-Adlam, Head of Inclusion Seán O'Regan, Group Director of Education Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer Alex Cameron, Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Briefing: Inclusive Education The Panel received Deputy Inna Gardiner , Minister for Children and Education, and Officers from the Government of Jersey for a briefing about the Education Reform's Inclusion programme, which had been approved as part of the Government Plan 2023-2026. The meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35 and a private record was taken. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Member |
Apologies | Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice Chair |
In attendance | Deputy Louise Doublet , Assistant Minister for Children and Education Ben Sandeman, Policy Lead, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Frank Le Gros, Legal Advisor, Law Officers' Department Claire Follain, Superintendent Registrar, Local Services Katherine De Carteret , Committee & Panel Officer Jade Hahn, Research & Project Officer Alex Cameron, Research & Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Draft Children & Civil Status (Amendment) (Jersey) Law 202- Briefing The Panel welcomed Deputy Louise Doublet , Assistant Minister for Children and Education and Officers Ben Sandeman, Policy Lead, Frank Le Gros, Legal Advisor and Claire Follain, Superintendent Registrar for a private briefing on the Draft Children & Civil Status (Amendment) (Jersey) Law 202- Legislation. The briefing was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Member |
Apologies |
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Absent |
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In attendance | Item 6 only: Tracey Le Brocq, Chief Executive Officer, Jersey Action Against Rape Kate Kelly, Charity Manager, Jersey Action Against Rape Item 7 only: Becky Sherrington, Chief Inspector, Jersey Care Commission Francis Walker , Head of Policy, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer Alex Cameron, Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted and approved the records of meetings held on 30th and 31st January and 1st and 6th February 2023. |
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2. Briefing on Inclusion The Panel discussed the briefing it had received on the Education Reform Inclusion programme on 6th February 2023. The Panel noted a number of additional queries in relation to the funding and timing of the programme and requested the officer make further enquiries by email. | KdC |
3. Briefing on Children and Civil Status Law The Panel discussed the briefing it had received on the Children and Civil Status Law policy on 9th February 2023. The Panel noted that it would be provided with a briefing on the specifics of the draft Law in due course. The Panel requested that officers undertake some research into comparable legislation in other jurisdictions, for its future reference. | KdC |
4. Briefing on Higher Education The Panel discussed the briefing it had received on the Minister for Children and Education's scheme of work for higher education on 9th February 2023. Section 8 of this minute records the Panel's decision about further actions resulting from the briefing. |
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5. Quarterly Public Hearing with the Minister for Home Affairs The Panel noted that it was due to receive the Minister for Home Affairs for a Quarterly Public Hearing on 23rd February 2023 at 10.00 am and discussed the topic areas for its question plan. The Panel discussed public engagement ahead of the hearing and asked the officer to arrange social media posts welcoming question submissions from the public. The Panel agreed to meet on 21st February 2023 to discuss and finalise its question plan. | KdC |
6. Jersey Action Against Rape (JAAR) The Panel received Tracey Le Brocq Chief Executive Officer of JAAR and Kate Kelly, Charity Manager of JAAR for a discussion about Jersey's sexual offences law and support for Islanders in relation to this matter. This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Absolute Exemption Article 26 and a private record was taken. The Panel thanked the JAAR representatives, and they left the meeting. |
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7. Jersey Care Commission The Panel received Becky Sherrington, Chief Inspector, Jersey Care Commission and Francis Walker , Head of Policy, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance, Government of Jersey to discuss chid contact centres. This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Absolute Exemption Article 26 and a private record was taken. The Panel thanked the Chief Inspector and the Head of Policy and they left the meeting. |
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8. Review: Financial support for students in Higher Education The Panel discussed the private briefing it had received on 9th February 2023 from the Minister for Children and Education and officers on the proposed scheme of work for higher education funding. During the briefing the Panel learned that the proposed scheme of work would impact some of the areas it had hoped to examine as part of its review of the funding support available to Jersey students for higher education. The Panel noted that the Minister had committed to further updates on this topic during 2023. Following a discussion of options, the Panel agreed to pause the scoping work on the review subject until further details were made available. |
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9. Ministerial Decisions The Panel noted that no new Ministerial Decisions had been shared, or added to its Microsoft Teams folder since the previous meeting. The Panel noted Ministerial Decision MD-CM-2023-2 relating to the presentation of letters from the Chief Minister relating to Ministerial Responsibilities (R.9/2023). From this, the Panel noted the intent for the role of the Minister for Home Affairs' to be widened to Minister for Justice and Home Affairs', which would see the Minister's remit formally grow to include justice policy and policy relating to diversity and equality. |
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10. Work Programme The Panel discussed and noted its current work programme. The Panel noted its decision to defer its planned review of Financial support for students in Higher Education'. The Panel considered other subjects suitable for a thematic review. The Panel asked the officer to undertake background research into the history of the 14+ transfer system in Jersey secondary schools and to request a meeting with the Minister for Children and Education on the subject. The Panel requested the officer to update its work programme document accordingly. | KdC |
11. Visit to the House of Commons The officer provided the Panel with an update in respect of the proposed scrutiny panel visit to Westminster, London, in March 2023 as part of the Panel's training and induction programme. |
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12. Quarterly Public Hearing with the Minister for Children and Education The Panel noted the request to change the date of its first scheduled hearing with the Minister for Children and Education from 30th March 2023. The Panel discussed its availability and requested that arrangements were made for the quarterly hearing to be rearranged for 27th March 2023. | KdC / BW |
13. Letter to the Minister for Children and Education: school meals update The Panel approved a draft letter to the Minister for Children and Education which requested an update about the delivery of the primary school meals programme. The officer was asked to forward the letter for the attention of the Minister. | BW |
14. Future Meetings The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting was due to take place at 10 am on Monday 27th February in the Le Capelain Room, States Assembly Building. |
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Date: 21st February 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair Connétable Mark Labey |
Apologies |
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Absent |
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In attendance | Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Quarterly Public Hearing with the Minister for Home Affairs The Panel noted that it was due to receive the Minister for Children and Education for a Quarterly Public Hearing on 23rd February 2023 at 10 am. The Panel discussed and approved its draft question plan for the hearing. |
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Date: 23rd February 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair Connétable Mark Labey |
Apologies |
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Absent |
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In attendance | Deputy Helen Miles , Minister for Home Affairs Deputy Louise Doublet , Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Deputy Hilary Jeune , Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Kate Briden, Chief Officer, Justice and Home Affairs Robin Smith, Chief Officer, States of Jersey Police Peter Gavey, Chief Ambulance Office, States of Jersey Ambulance Service Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer Emily Thomas, Acting Panel Communications Officer Katie Bastiman, Communications Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Quarterly Public Hearing with the Minister for Home Affairs The Panel welcomed the Minister for Home Affairs and various Government Officers for a Quarterly Public Hearing at 10.00am. The hearing was recorded, and webcast live via Public-I and a transcript was produced. Following the Public Hearing, the Panel discussed key topics to include on its social media updates with the Acting Panel Communications Officer. |
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Date: 27th February 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair Connétable Mark Labey |
Apologies |
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Absent |
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In attendance | Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted and approved the records of meetings held on 9th and 13th February 2023. | KdC/BW |
2. Meeting with the Minister for Children and Education The Panel noted that its meeting with the Minister for Children and Education scheduled to take place at 4pm on Monday 27th February 2023, had been cancelled and would be rescheduled in the week commencing 20th March. | KdC/BW |
3. Follow up from Quarterly Hearing with the Minister for Home Affairs The Panel noted key topics that had been raised and responses received following the Quarterly Public Hearing with the Minister for Home Affairs on the 23rd February 2023. The Panel noted the points on which the Minister and Government Officers confirmed that further information could be provided. The Panel requested that the Officer to follow up with the Ministerial Support Unit to obtain this information. | KdC/BW |
4. States Business The Panel noted that four recent confidential Ministerial Decisions and Reports had been shared with the Panel and added to its Microsoft Teams Folder since the previous meeting. The Panel noted an Oral Question would be asked by Deputy Catherine Curtis during the States Assembly debate scheduled to commence on 28th February 2023. The Panel agreed that it would include questions from members of the public in future quarterly public hearing question plans. |
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5. Work Programme The Panel noted and discussed its current work programme. The Officer reminded the Panel that a site visit to Hautlieu School had been provisionally scheduled to take place on Tuesday 14th March 2023. |
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The Panel noted it was due to receive the Minister for Children and Education for a Quarterly Public Hearing on Monday 27th March at 10:00 am and discussed a number of initial question areas. | KdC |
6. Any Other Business The Panel noted and discussed a draft letter to the Minister for Children and Education with regards to the provision of school meals. |
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7. Future Meetings The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting was due to take place at 10am on Monday 13th March in Morier House. |
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Date: 7th March 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Member |
Apologies |
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In attendance | Deputy Inna Gardiner , Minister for Children and Education Keith Posner, Head of Office, Education (CYPES) Matt Gaskell, Head of Programme, Education (CYPES) Katherine de Carteret, Committee & Panel Officer Ben Walker , Research & Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Children, Young People, Education and Skills (CYPES) Capital Plans The Panel welcomed Deputy Inna Gardiner , Minister for Children and Education and Officers for a private briefing on the capital expenditure plans for CYPES. The briefing was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35. |
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Date: 8th March 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice Chair |
Apologies | Connétable Mark Labey , Member |
In attendance | Deputy Helen Miles , Minister for Home Affairs Deputy Hilary Jeune , Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Paul Ryan, Inspector, States of Jersey Police Karen Houston, Detective Sergeant, States of Jersey Police Mike Swain, Chair of the Jersey Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (JMAPPA) Beth Flambard, Private Secretary to the Minister for Home Affairs Katherine de Carteret, Committee & Panel Officer Ben Walker , Research & Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Sex offender management and notification requirements The Panel welcomed Deputy Helen Miles , Minister for Home Affairs, Deputy Hilary Jeune , Assistant Minister for Home Affairs, the Chair of JMAPPA, and representatives from the States of Jersey Police for a private briefing on sex offender management and notification requirements. The briefing was arranged for the Panel following safeguarding concerns raised in the States Assembly debate on rent-a-room tax relief, which had been highlighted through an amendment to an amendment on the Government Plan 2023-26 (P.97/2022 Amd (26).Amd). The briefing was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 26. |
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Date: 13th March 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair Connétable Mark Labey |
Apologies |
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Absent |
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In attendance | Emily Thomas, Acting Communications Officer (Item 7 only) Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted and approved the records of meetings held on 21st, 23rd and 27th February 2023. | BW |
2. Briefing: 14 + school transfer The Panel noted that a private briefing it had requested from the Minister for Children and Education scheduled to take place on Wednesday 15th March 2023 had been rescheduled for Friday 24th March 2023. | KdC/BW |
3. Quarterly Hearing with the Minister for Children and Education The Panel noted that it was due to receive the Minister for Children and Education for a quarterly public hearing on Monday 27th March 2023 at 3 pm and discussed the topic areas for its question plan. The Chair highlighted draft questions she had circulated by email for the Panel's attention. The Panel discussed public engagement ahead of the hearing and asked the officer to arrange social media posts welcoming question submissions from the public. The Panel agreed that it would further discuss and finalise its question plan at its next meeting on Monday 20th. | KdC/BW |
4. States Business The Panel noted that no confidential Ministerial Decisions had been shared with the Panel and added to its Microsoft Teams Folder since the previous meeting. No reports had been presented to the States Assembly that fell within the Panel's remit since its last meeting. No propositions had been lodged to the States, by the Government or Ministers, which fell within the Panel's remit since its last meeting. |
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5. Work Programme The Panel noted and discussed its current work programme. |
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The Panel noted that research had been undertaken in relation to the 14+ secondary school transfer system used in Jersey, and that the Panel was scheduled to receive a private briefing on the topic from the Minister for Children and Education and a site visit to Hautlieu School in due course. In relation to another topic of interest, the Panel noted that the questions it had proposed for the Jersey Children and Young People's (JCYP) survey, in relation to knife carrying and knife use amongst young people, had been rejected by the JCYP decision-making group. The Officer relayed feedback that had been provided verbally from the team at Statistics Jersey and the group representative from the Office of the Children's Commissioner. The Panel confirmed that, as part of its work programme, it would consider a review of the local impact of knife carrying later in 2023. | KdC |
6. Recommendations Tracker The Panel was shown where its recommendations tracker was located on Microsoft Teams and noted that the Officers would request the necessary permissions for panel members to access it. | BW |
7. Public Engagement The Panel welcomed the Acting Communications Officer to the Meeting. The Panel discussed using video content as part of its future social media output. In the short-term it was agreed that all members of the Panel would film a piece to camera' segment in advance of the quarterly hearings scheduled for April and June 2023 to request and encourage public engagement with the public hearings. The Acting Communications Officer provided the Panel with practical details about the filming process. The Panel also discussed filming videos to follow-up after public hearings. It was suggested that the format could be used to summarise the key points or highlight the responses to public questions from the hearing, rather than using static social media posts. The Panel agreed to monitor feedback and consider how, or if, it would use the video format again for hearings in the latter half of 2023. The Panel discussed the advantages and disadvantages of social media engagement, including the challenges posed by abusive messages and posts. Other face-to-face public engagement, such as pop-up stands in various indoor or outdoor locations, with a focus of What would you ask the Minister' was also suggested for the future. |
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8. Any Other Business Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks |
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The Panel noted that the Privileges and Procedures Committee had recently agreed that all States Members could be reimbursed for a basic DBS check, should they wish to apply. Whilst there was currently no requirement for a States Member to have a DBS check, officers suggested that this might be helpful to panel members for their work liaising with the public, including the future engagement work as part of the scrutiny panel. Participation Standards |
The Panel noted the Government's work to establish participation standards for work with children and young people. Officers highlighted that the activity toolkit' had recently been published by the Government and was available online. |
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9. Site visits The Panel noted that the visit to Hautlieu School, which had been due to take place on Tuesday 14th March 2023 had been cancelled. Alternative dates for the visit were discussed and the Panel confirmed its availability for Friday 24th March 2023. Officers undertook to reschedule the visit. | KdC/BW |
10. Future meetings The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting was due to take place at 10 am on Monday 20th March in the Le Capelain Room, States Assembly Building. |
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Date: 20th March 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair Connétable Mark Labey |
In attendance | Katie Bastiman, Communications Officer Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Rosalyn Sharp, Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted and approved the records of meetings held on 7th, 8th and 13th March 2023. | KdC |
2. Quarterly Hearing with the Minister for Children and Education The Panel noted that it was due to receive the Minister for Children and Education for a quarterly public hearing on Monday 27th March 2023. Questions which had been suggested by members of the public were reviewed and the Panel agreed the topics and questions it would include on its question plan. The Panel could not accommodate all suggested questions at its forthcoming hearing, but agreed to reconsider the topics in advance of the public hearing scheduled for June 2023. The Panel discussed all its draft questions for the hearing. Subject to a number of minor changes and additions, the Panel approved its draft question plan. The Panel asked the officer to update the draft question plan. | KdC |
3. States Business The Panel noted that no confidential Ministerial Decisions had been shared with the Panel and added to its Microsoft Teams Folder since the previous meeting. No reports had been presented to the States Assembly that fell within the Panel's remit since its last meeting. No propositions had been lodged to the States, by the Government or Ministers, which fell within the Panel's remit since its last meeting. |
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4. Work Programme The Panel noted and discussed its current work programme. |
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5. Visit to the House of Commons, Westminster The Panel noted its travel arrangements and itinerary for a trip to the House of Commons in Westminster, which had been arranged as part of the scrutiny member's induction programme. |
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6. Any Other Business The Chair provided the Panel with an update on the recent communication she had with Milli's Separated Family Centre. |
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7. Future meetings The Panel noted that it was due to visit Hautlieu School on Friday 24th March 2023. The Panel's next scheduled meeting was due to take place at 10am on Monday 3rd April 2023 in the Le Capelain Room, States Assembly Building. |
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Date: 23rd March 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Member |
In attendance | Deputy Inna Gardiner , Minister for Children and Education Connétable Richard Vibert , Assistant Minister for Children and Education Andrew Heaven, Head of Policy, Strategic Planning and Performance (SPPP) Michelle Moffat, Policy Principal – Children's Policy, SPPP Martin Keith, Private Secretary to the Minister for Children and Education Nicola Heath, representative from the Student Loan Support Group, Jersey (SLSGJ) (attended second half of presentation) Judy Beaumont, representative from the SLSGJ (attended second half of presentation) Katherine de Carteret, Committee & Panel Officer Rosalyn Sharp, Research & Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Briefing to the Panel on the Minister for Children and Education's Scheme for Student Finance support The Panel welcomed Deputy Inna Gardiner , Minister for Children and Education, Connétable Richard Vibert , Assistant Minister for Children and Education and officers for a private briefing on the proposed student finance support packages. The briefing was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35 and Qualified Exemption Article 36. |
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Date: 24th March 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Member |
In attendance | Nick Falle, Headteacher of Hautlieu School Ros Martin, Assistant Headteacher of Hautlieu School Hautlieu Student Council (with representatives present from Year 11 and Year 10) Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Rosalyn Sharp, Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Site Visit: Hautlieu School The Panel visited Hautlieu school and was received by the Headteacher, the Assistant Headteacher and the Student Council. The Panel was given the opportunity to learn about the school, its facilities, the 14 plus transfer system and was provided with the opportunity to ask questions. The Panel did not have time to undertake a tour of the school building with the remaining time available to them on the visit, but the Headteacher invited them to return at a later date. The Panel asked its officer to make the necessary arrangements. The Panel thanked the school representatives for their time and the site visit was concluded. | KdC |
Date: 27th March 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Member |
In attendance | Deputy Inna Gardiner , Minister for Children and Education Connétable Richard Vibert , Assistant Minister for Children and Education Rob Sainsbury, Chief Officer of Children, Education, Young People and Skills (CYPES) Seán O'Regan, Group Director for CYPES Susan Devlin, Group Director for Children's Social Care, Integrated Services and Commissioning Nicola Mulliner, Head of Early Years Emily Thomas, Acting Communications Officer Katherine De Carteret , Committee and Panel Officer Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Quarterly Public Hearing: Minister for Children and Education The Panel noted and discussed its question plan in preparation for the Public Hearing with the Minister for Children and Education at 3.00 pm. The Panel welcomed the Minister for Children and Education, the Assistant Minister, and various Government Officers for a Quarterly Public Hearing at 3.00 pm. The hearing was recorded, and webcast live via Public-I and a transcript was produced. Following the Public Hearing, the Panel discussed key topics to include on a press release and its social media updates with the Panel's Acting Communications Officer. | ET |
Date: 3rd April 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey |
Apologies | Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair |
In attendance | Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings th March 2023. The Panel noted and approved the records of meetings held on 20 | KdC |
2. Quarterly Hearing with the Minister for Children and Education Following the quarterly public hearing held on Monday 27th March 2023, the Panel noted a letter sent to the Minister for Children and Education on 31st March 2023 with various follow-up questions. The Panel agreed that the time for the Minister to respond to the follow-up letter would be extended to 5 pm on Monday 17th April, due to absences during the Easter holidays. |
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3. Quarterly Hearing with the Minister for Home Affairs The Panel noted that it was due to receive the Minister for Home Affairs for a quarterly public hearing at 2.30 pm on Thursday 27th April 2023. Topic areas and suggested questions for the public hearing were discussed. The Panel also considered public engagement in relation to the hearing. The Panel recalled that it had previously agreed to record videos welcoming question submissions from the public. The officer provided an update about the practicalities of filming and editing the videos in advance of the Panel's next meeting. Accordingly, the Panel asked the officer to arrange static social media posts to welcome questions from the public in advance of the hearing on 27th April 2023. It was agreed that filming and editing the video(s) for the Panel's future hearings would be scheduled for May 2023. The Panel agreed that it would further discuss and finalise its question plan, including any questions or question areas received from members of the public, at its next meeting on Monday 17th April 2023. | KdC |
4. Draft Commissioner for Children and Young People (Amendment of Law) (Jersey) Regulations 202- (P.12/2023) The Panel noted the lodging of P.12/2023 by the Chief Minister on 24th March 2023. The intent of the proposition was to make changes to the Commissioner for Children and Young People (Jersey) Law 2019 in order to change the provisions made in the law for the Children's Commissioner's: i) tenure of office; and ii) disqualifications for appointment (the Amendment'). |
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The Panel recalled that it had received an officer led briefing about the proposed Amendment on 16th January 2023. Following the lodging of P.12/2023 the Panel had been provided with confirmation by Government officers that only minor changes had been made to the draft amendment since they had received the briefing and that there was no change to the intent and effect of the proposed amendment. The Panel agreed to draft a short comments paper to summarise the information it had been provided about the Amendment. | KdC | |
5. States Business The Panel noted that two exempt Ministerial Decisions had been shared with the Panel and added to its Microsoft Teams Folder since the previous meeting. No reports had been presented to the States Assembly that fell within the Panel's remit since its last meeting. The Panel had discussed the Draft Commissioner for Children and Young People (Amendment of Law) (Jersey) Regulations 202- (P.12/2023) in the previous agenda item. No other propositions had been lodged to the States, by the Government or Ministers, which fell within the Panel's remit since its last meeting. |
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6. Work Programme The Panel noted and discussed its current work programme. |
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KdC KdC KdC | ||
Westminster visit The Panel noted its thanks following a one-day visit to the House of Commons in Westminster, which had been arranged as part of the scrutiny member's induction programme. Question re University College Jersey For the Panel's interest the Chair advised that, in her individual capacity, she had submitted a question to the Minister for Children and Education in relation to cancelled courses at University College Jersey. The officer confirmed that the response could be circulated for the Panel's information on Teams in due course. |
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8. Future meetings The Panel's next scheduled meeting was due to take place at 10am on Monday 17th April 2023 in the Le Capelain Room, States Assembly Building. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Member |
Absent |
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In attendance | Item 6 Only: Deputy Inna Gardiner , Minister for Children and Education Seán O'Regan, Group Director of Education, CYPES Andrew Heaven, Head of Policy, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Martin Keith, Private Secretary to the Minister for Children and Education, Office of the Chief Executive Katherine de Carteret, Committee & Panel Officer Rosalyn Sharp, Research & Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted and approved the records of meetings held on 23rd, 24th and 27th March and 3rd April 2023. |
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2. Quarterly Hearing with the Minister for Home Affairs The Panel considered questions received from the public and asked the officer to respond to the members of public who had sent in questions. The Panel discussed and agreed the Panel's question plan for the Quarterly Hearing at 2.30pm on Thursday 27th April 2023. | KdC |
3. States Business The Panel noted the recent Reports and confidential Ministerial Decisions that had been shared with the Panel and added to its Microsoft Teams folder since the previous meeting. The Panel noted an Oral Question that Deputy Catherine Curtis would ask in the debate scheduled to commence on 18th April 2023. |
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4. Work Programme The Panel noted and discussed its current work programme. The Panel agreed to meet on Thursday 20th April to discuss its next review. | RS |
The Panel requested the officer to undertake background research into Jersey teachers pay. |
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5. Future Meetings The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting was due to take place at 10am on Monday 15th May 2023 in Le Capelain Room, States Building. |
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6. Briefing on 14+ secondary school transfer The Panel received the Minister for Children and Education and Officers for a briefing on the 14+ secondary school transfer system. The record of this meeting was classified as exempt in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair Connétable Mark Labey |
Absent |
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In attendance | Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Rosalyn Sharp, Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Review of Funding for Secondary School The Panel discussed the briefing it had received from the Minister for Children and Education on Monday 17th April 2023 on the subject of the 14+ secondary school transfer system. The Panel recalled that it had informally considered the subject of the 14+ secondary school transfer system as a topic for a scrutiny review, however, following the briefing and subsequent Panel discussion, it agreed to undertake scoping work on a wider review that would examine the funding for secondary school education in Jersey. The Panel discussed what to include in any terms of reference for its review and provided the Officer with directions to draft formal terms of reference and a scoping document for its further consideration. | KdC |
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Member |
In attendance | Tracy Duncan, Head of Finance Business Partnering, Treasury and Exchequer Kate Briden, Chief Officer, Justice and Home Affairs Rosalyn Sharp, Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Briefing: Haut du Mont finance update The Panel received Tracy Duncan (Head of Finance Business Partnering) and Kate Briden (Chief Officer) for a private briefing on Haut Du Mont finance update. This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 26 and a private record was taken. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair Connétable Mark Labey |
Apologies |
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Absent |
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In attendance | Deputy Helen Miles , Minister for Home Affairs Kate Briden, Chief Officer, Justice and Home Affairs Robin Smith, Chief Officer, States of Jersey Police Beth Flambard, Private Secretary to the Minister for Home Affairs Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Rosalyn Sharp, Research and Project Officer Katie Bastiman, Communications Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Quarterly Public Hearing with the Minister for Home Affairs The Panel welcomed the Minister for Home Affairs and various Government Officers for a Quarterly Public Hearing at 2.30 pm. The hearing was recorded, and webcast live via Public-I and a transcript was produced. Following the Public Hearing, the Panel discussed key topics to include on its social media updates with the Panel's Communications Officer. |
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Date: 3rd May 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Member |
In attendance | Deputy Inna Gardiner , Minister for Children and Education Martin Keith, Private Secretary to the Minister for Children and Education Rosalyn Sharp, Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Meeting with Minister for Children and Education to discuss work programmes The Panel received the Minister for Children and Education for a general discussion on work programmes. The Minister informed the Panel of capital plans for a future school in town and discussed data relating to teacher retention and when this would be made available. This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Exemption Article 35 and a private record was taken. The Panel thanked the Minister for Children and Education and she left the meeting. |
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Date: 15th May 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair |
Apologies | Connétable Mark Labey , Member |
In attendance | Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Rosalyn Sharp, Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted and approved the records of meetings held on 17th, 20th and 27th April 2023. |
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2. Quarterly Hearing with the Minister for Children and Education The Panel noted that it was due to receive the Minister for Children and Education for a Quarterly Public Hearing on Thursday 29th June 2023 at 10am and discussed the topic areas for its question plan. The Panel agreed that it would use video messaging on social media for public engagement in advance of the hearing. |
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3. States Business The Panel noted that the recent confidential Ministerial Decisions and Reports that had been shared with the Panel and added to its Microsoft Teams Folder since the previous meeting. The Panel noted that the Draft Commissioner for Children and Young People (Amendment of Law) (Jersey) Regulations 202- (P.12/2023) was expected to be debated by the States Assembly on 23rd May. The Panel recalled that it had lodged a comments papers relating to P.12/2023 on 27th April 2023. The Chair also advised the Panel that she had recently submitted Written Questions about senior recruitment in Children, Young People, Education and Skills Department (CYPES). The Panel noted that the responses may be of interest once published. |
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4. Scrutiny Review: Secondary Education Funding The Panel was advised that the draft terms of reference and draft scoping document would be ready for the Panel to review shortly. The Panel agreed that it would formally consider and, if thought fit, approve the documents at an ad-hoc meeting Panel meeting which had been scheduled for Monday 22nd May 2023. |
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5. Work Programme |
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The Panel noted and discussed its current work programme. The Panel also noted receipt of a letter from the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, dated 11th May 2023, which had been received in response to the Panel's written questions to the Minister following the quarterly public hearing held on 27th April 2023. |
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6. Future Meetings The Panel noted that its next meeting was due to take place at 10am on Monday 22nd May in the Le Capelain room, States Assembly Building. |
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Date: 22nd May 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair Connétable Mark Labey |
In attendance | Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Rosalyn Sharp, Research and Project Officer Katie Bastiman, Communications Officer Gavin Carter, Creative Content Producer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Filming The Panel agreed to be filmed during its meeting for B roll' footage, for use in video content for the States Assembly website and social media posts. | GC |
2. Review of Funding for Secondary School Education The Panel discussed its intended scrutiny review of secondary education funding. The Panel agreed to include a budget in the scoping document for printing informational postcards and a roadside banner to promote public engagement with the review. Officers advised the Panel that the full communications plan would follow for their consideration. The Panel agreed a draft Scoping Document and Terms of Reference for its review. It was noted that, following Panel approval, the Scoping Document and Terms of Reference would be sent to the Scrutiny Liaison Committee for approval. | KB KdC |
Date: 30th May 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair |
Apologies | Connétable Mark Labey , Member |
Absent |
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In attendance | Deputy Helen Miles , Minister for Home Affairs Andrew Allan, Senior Manager, Jersey Customs and Immigration Service Beth Flambard, Private Secretary to the Minister for Home Affairs Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Rosalyn Sharp, Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Briefing: Deportation Law and Procedures The Panel received Deputy Helen Miles , Minister for Home Affairs (the Minister) and Andrew Allan, Senior Manager, Jersey Customs and Immigration Service for a private briefing on Jersey's deportation law and general procedure for deportations. The Panel had requested a briefing from the Minister in order to better understand the law and policy applied in Jersey to deportations approved by the Minister, where required, through Ministerial Decisions. This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 26 and a private record was taken. |
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Date: 31st May 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Member |
Apologies |
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Absent |
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In attendance | Andrew Heaven, Head of Policy, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Michelle Clark, Senior Policy Officer, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Briefing: Children (Convention Rights) (Jersey) Law 2022 The Panel received Andrew Heaven, Head of Policy and Michelle Clark, Senior Policy Officer for Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance for a private briefing on progress towards the enactment of the Children (Convention Rights) (Jersey) Law 2022. This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35 and a private record was taken. |
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Date: 19th June 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey |
Absent | Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair |
In attendance | Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Rosalyn Sharp, Research and Project Officer Katie Bastiman, Communications Officer (for item 4 only) |
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Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted and approved the records of meetings held on 26th April, 3rd,15th and 30th May 2023. |
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2. Quarterly Hearing with the Minister for Children and Education The Panel noted that it was due to receive the Minister for Children and Education for a Quarterly Public Hearing on 28th June 2023 at 9.30am. The Panel discussed and approved its draft question plan for the hearing, subject to a number of minor amendments and additional questions including some which were submitted by members of the public. The Panel asked the Officer to update and recirculate the draft accordingly. | KdC |
3. States Business The Panel noted the recent Reports and confidential Ministerial Decisions that had been shared with the Panel and added to its Microsoft Teams folder since the previous meeting. |
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4. Scrutiny Review: Secondary Education Funding The Panel discussed and agreed the next steps for the review. The Panel noted and approved the updated survey questions. The Officer reported that some informal feedback had been sought from Statistics Jersey. Once the survey was finalised, it was confirmed that there would be links available to add to the social media posts, press notice, postcard and banner that had been prepared by the Communications Officer and previously shared with the Chair and / or Panel for approval on Teams. The Panel agreed to schedule the launch for the review for Thursday 22nd June 2023. The Panel noted that it had arranged pop up stands on 27th June and the 12th July 2023, where it was hoped that the Panel would be able to promote the survey and engage with the public about the review. |
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5. Work programme The Panel noted its current work programme and agreed it would still be interested in exploring knife crime as a topic. |
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6. Future Meetings The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting was due to take place at 10 am on Monday 3rd July 2023 in Le Capelain Room, States Building, however, due to changes in Panel availability members asked the Officer to reschedule the meeting. | KdC |
Date: 7th July 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair Connétable Mark Labey |
In attendance | Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted and approved the records of meetings held on 22nd, 31st May and 19th June 2023. |
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2. Quarterly Hearing with the Minister for Home Affairs The Panel noted that it was due to receive the Minister for Home Affairs for a Quarterly Public Hearing on Wednesday 26th July 2023 and discussed the topic areas and questions to include in the question plan. The Panel asked the officer to type up and circulate the draft question plan, which would be finalised at the Panel's meeting on 24th July 2023. The Panel reviewed a video, produced by the Digital and Public Engagement Team at the States Greffe, which promoted the Panel's work and invited members of the public to suggest questions in advance of the public hearing. It was confirmed that the video would be released on the States Assembly's social media channels (namely, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) during the course of the following week. | KdC |
3. States Business The Panel noted the recent Reports and confidential Ministerial Decisions that had been shared with the Panel and added to its Microsoft Teams folder since the previous meeting. The Panel noted the public Ministerial Decision numbered MD-HA-2023-382 which related to the Hague Convention 1980: Jamaica's Accession: United Kingdom's Acceptance: Extension to Jersey. The Panel asked the officer to provide it with some more background information and context to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and extension of UK acceptance to Jersey. | KdC |
4. Scrutiny Review: Secondary Education Funding The Panel discussed the challenges in finding an expert advisor for the review. A further update would be provided after 20th July 2023. Members discussed the pop-up stand it had held in Brook Street on 27th June 2023. The stand had provided Panel members the opportunity to distribute postcards promoting its survey and, also, speak with members of the public about the review. |
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It was noted that another pop-up stand would be held at Charing Cross on 12th July 2023. The Panel was advised that 289 responses to its online survey had been submitted to date and the officer shared a brief snapshot of replies received so far. It was observed that the majority (~50%) of survey responses had been completed by a parent or caregiver of a current secondary school student. The survey would be available online until the end of July 2023. The Panel discussed its draft letters to various stakeholders and agreed that it wanted more time to consider the content and questions. The Panel agreed to provide any further comments and, if thought fit, approval of the letters via Microsoft Teams during the following week. |
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5. Work programme The Panel noted and agreed its work programme for the next six months. The Panel also agreed that it wanted to receive a briefing from Government about the work of the Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce and asked the officer to make arrangements. | KdC |
6. Any Other Business The Panel noted the following matters:
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7. Future Meetings The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting was due to take place at 10 am on Monday 24th July 2023 in Le Capelain Room, States Building. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Member |
Apologies | Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair |
In attendance | Deputy Robert Ward , Chair of the Health and Social Security (HSS) Scrutiny Panel Deputy Carina Alves , Vice-Chair of the HSS Scrutiny Panel Deputy Barbara Ward , Member of the HSS Scrutiny Panel Deputy Andy Howell , Member of the HSS Scrutiny Panel Martin Knight, Head of Public Health Policy, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance (SPPP) Steve Gay, Senior Public Health Policy Officer, SPPP Sammy McKee , Committee and Panel Officer Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Substance Use Strategy: Joint Briefing with Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel The Panel, together with the Health and Social Security Scrutiny Panel and officers, received Martin Knight, Head of Public Health Policy and Steve Gay, Senior Public Health Policy Officer for a private briefing on A Change of Direction: A Substance Use Strategy for Jersey 2023 to 2033' (the Strategy'). This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 36 and a private record was taken. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Member |
Apologies |
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In attendance | Kate Briden, Chief Officer, Justice and Home Affairs Tracy Duncan, Head of Finance Business Partnering, Treasury and Exchequer Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Briefing: Haut du Mont finance update The Panel received Kate Briden (Chief Officer) and Tracy Duncan (Head of Finance Business Partnering) for a private briefing about the Haut Du Mont incident finances. This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 26 and a private record was taken. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Member |
Apologies | Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair |
In attendance | Dr. Gareth Hughes, Headteacher of Victoria College Patrick Crossley, Deputy Headteacher of Victoria College Carolyn Ferguson, Bursar, Victoria College Parm Plummer, Assistant Head Staffing Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Site visit: Victoria College, Mont Millais, Jersey The Panel visited Victoria College and was received by the Headteacher, the Deputy Headteacher, the Bursar, and Assistant Head Staffing (together the school representatives'). The Panel was given the opportunity to discuss its review of Secondary School Funding (the review') with the school representatives. The meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 26 and a private record was taken. The Panel noted that the Chair would publicly write to the Headteacher to outline some of the themes discussed as part of the meeting and follow up with some further questions. The Panel received a tour of parts of the Victoria College campus, including a visit to the school's wellbeing room which it noted had been privately funded by a donation from the Victoria College Foundation. The Panel also asked to see some of the portacabin classrooms used for teaching and was shown both the Drama Studio and T-Block cabins. The Panel thanked the school representatives for their time and the site visit was concluded. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair Connétable Mark Labey |
In attendance | Ben Sandeman, Policy Principal, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance, Cabinet Office (for item 3 only) Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Elaine Crawford, Research and Project Officer Jade Hahn, Research and Project Officer (for item 3 only) |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted and approved the records of meetings held on 7th and 12th July 2023. |
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2. Quarterly Hearing with the Minister for Home Affairs The Panel noted that it was due to receive the Minister for Home Affairs for a Quarterly Public Hearing on Wednesday 26th July 2023. The Panel discussed and approved its draft question plan for the hearing, subject to a number of minor amendments and additional questions. The Panel asked the Officer to update and recirculate the draft accordingly. | KdC |
3. Briefing on the Children and Civil Status Law 202- The Panel received Ben Sandeman (Policy Principal) for a private briefing about the draft Children and Civil Status Law 202-. This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35 and a private record was taken. |
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4. States Business The Panel noted the recent Reports and Ministerial Decisions that had been shared with the Panel and added to its Microsoft Teams folder since the previous meeting. |
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5. Scrutiny Review: Secondary Education Funding The Panel agreed that it would write to the Headteacher at Victoria College following its visit on 21st July. The Panel wanted to express its thanks for the invitation and, also, to follow up on a number of queries. The Panel discussed how best to contact other Headteachers at secondary schools. |
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The Panel discussed the ongoing challenges in finding an expert advisor for the review. The Panel was advised that 335 responses to its online survey had been submitted to date. The Panel agreed to extend the survey until the end of August 2023 and noted that it wanted to try and encourage more responses from students. The Panel also asked the Officer to make arrangements to hold another pop-up' stand in town during August. | KdC |
6. Work programme The Panel noted and agreed its current work programme. |
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7. Any Other Business The Panel noted the following matters:
The Officer undertook to update the diary appointments accordingly.
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8. Future Meetings The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting was due to take place on Monday 7th August 2023 in Le Capelain Room, States Building. As per the additional business noted above, the start time of the meeting was changed from 10 am to 9 am. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Vice-Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Member |
Apologies |
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In attendance | Andrea Le Saint, Acting Children's Commissioner for Jersey (Item 1 only) Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Elaine Crawford, Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Meeting with the Acting Children's Commissioner The Panel received Andrea Le Saint, Acting Children's Commissioner to discuss the Office of the Children's Commissioner's (OCC) forthcoming report into Secure Accommodation for Children and Young People in Jersey. The meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 26 and a private record was taken. The Panel and the Acting Children's Commissioner also discussed the structure and funding of the OCC and the importance of the OCC's independence. It was noted that there had been no further update from the Government about the recruitment process for the permanent role of Children's Commissioner since P.12/2023 had been debated in the States Assembly on 23rd May 2023. The Acting Children's Commissioner and the Panel agreed to meet on a quarterly basis going forward and would agree an agenda in advance of the meetings. The Panel thanked the Acting Children's Commissioner for her time and the meeting concluded. | KdC |
2. Resignation of Vice-Chair The Panel accepted the resignation of Deputy Beatriz Porée as Vice-Chair of the Panel and thanked her for her work whilst in the role. It was confirmed that Deputy Porée would remain a member of the Panel. |
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3. Appointment of Vice-Chair The Panel agreed to appoint Connétable Mark Labey as Vice-Chair. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée |
Apologies |
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Absent |
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In attendance | Deputy Helen Miles , Minister for Home Affairs Deputy Hilary Jeune , Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Kate Briden, Chief Officer, Justice and Home Affairs Robin Smith, Chief Officer, States of Jersey Police Peter Gavey, Chief Ambulance Officer, States of Jersey Ambulance Service Beth Flambard, Private Secretary to the Minister for Home Affairs Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Elaine Crawford, Research and Project Officer Katie Bastiman, Communications Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Quarterly Public Hearing with the Minister for Home Affairs The Panel welcomed the Minister for Home Affairs and various Government Officers for a Quarterly Public Hearing at 3 pm. The hearing was recorded, and webcast live via Public-I and a transcript was produced. Following the Public Hearing, the Panel discussed key topics to include on its social media updates with the Panel's Communications Officer. | KB |
Date: 7th August 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée |
In attendance | Lynn Pamment, Comptroller and Auditor General for Jersey (via Microsoft Teams) (Item 2 only) Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Elaine Crawford, Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted and approved the records of meetings held on 20th, 21st 24th, 25th, 26th July 2023. |
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2. Meeting with the Comptroller and Auditor General The Panel welcomed Lynn Pamment, Comptroller and Auditor General for Jersey (the C&AG') to the meeting at 10 am via Microsoft Teams. The Chair had extended an invitation to the C&AG to speak with the Panel generally about the work of the Jersey Audit Office (JAO'). The Panel was provided with an overview of the role of the C&AG and was advised that the purpose of independent public audit was to provide assurances about the effective use of public money. The Panel noted that the C&AG and JAO published a programme of its planned work for public interest and transparency. The attendees briefly discussed the following reports, published by the JAO:
It was noted that the JAO planned to publish a report on the Government Response to the COVID-19 pandemic: Economic, Social and Health related recovery' in Q3 of 2023. The Panel discussed this in relation to the Government's investment in Education recovery. The C&AG advised that the JAO planned a review of Commissioning of Services', for later in 2023. The Panel noted that this may be of interest in relation to CAMHS. |
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A number of other matters were briefly discussed, including the rollout of Connect Finance across the Government of Jersey, the Criminal Offences Confiscation Fund, and the Panel's current review of Secondary Education Funding. The C&AG advised that the JAO was happy to consider any queries from the Panel, and assist with advice, if suitable, in future. The Panel was also advised that the C&AG could brief them on any of the reports issued by the JAO in the future. The Panel thanked the C&AG for her time and she left the meeting. |
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3. Briefing on the Children and Civil Status Law 202- The Panel discussed the private briefing on the draft Children and Civil Status (Amendment) (Jersey) Law 202- (the draft Law) which had been provided on 24th July 2023. The Panel noted a number of queries in relation to the draft Law and also requested that some example scenarios, to illustrate the consequences of the draft Law, be provided. The Officer undertook to relay the queries and request to the Government's Policy Officer. The Panel was advised that there had been no formal public consultation on the draft Law, but that the Government's Policy Officer had liaised with stakeholders including; Liberate Jersey, The Same Sex Parents Group, and Jersey Community Relations Trust. The Panel considered whether it wanted to reach out directly for external stakeholder feedback on the draft Law. After some discussion, the Panel agreed not to seek feedback from potential stakeholder groups on the draft Law at this time and noted its concern that taking that course of action could either; delay the debate; or, that it would lead to calls for further work on aspects that were intended to be dealt with as part of the consequential amendments. The Panel noted its in-principle agreement of the draft Law and agreed that it would prepare a comments paper to set out its understanding and detail its queries, with the aim that the comments would be useful information for States Members and the public ahead of the States Assembly debate. | KdC |
4. Scrutiny Review: Secondary Education Funding The Panel received an update on the status of various aspects of the review from the Committee and Panel Officer. The Panel discussed the ongoing challenges in finding an expert advisor for the review. The Panel requested that the search be widened outside of the United Kingdom. The Panel reviewed a draft letter to the Headteacher of Victoria College, following its visit on 21st July 2023. The Panel approved the letter to be sent, subject to a number of additional questions and minor amendments. |
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5. States Business The Panel noted the recent Reports and Ministerial Decisions that had been shared with the Panel and added to its Microsoft Teams folder since the previous meeting. The Panel also noted the publication of the Isos Partnership report: Messages for Jersey from the UK and international evidence on optimising early childhood education and childcare (ECEC): A brief review to inform early years education and childcare policy development'. This report had been published directly by the |
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Government of Jersey and not through the States Assembly. The Panel noted that it had not received a briefing in advance of publication. |
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6. Work programme The Panel noted and agreed its current work programme. |
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7. Any Other Business The Panel noted that the Public Accounts Committee had recently undertaken Public Hearings with the Chief Officer of the States of Jersey Police (on 2nd August 2023) and the Chief Officer of the Department for Children, Education, Young People and Skills (CYPES) (on 28th July 2023) as part of its Performance Management Follow Up Review. The Committee and Panel Officer advised that there were a number of briefings and visits which required the Panel to confirm availability. Due to time restraints in the meeting, it was agreed that arrangements would be made through online communications after the meeting. |
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8. Future Meetings The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting was due to take place at 9 am on Monday 21st August 2023 in Le Capelain Room, States Building. |
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Date: 21st August 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair |
Absent | Deputy Beatriz Porée |
In attendance | Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted and approved the record of its meeting held on 7th August 2023. The Panel also approved an amendment to its record of the meeting for 25th July 2023. |
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2. Quarterly Public Hearings The Panel noted that it was due to receive the Minister for Children and Education for a Quarterly Public Hearing on Thursday 28th September 2023 and discussed the topic areas and questions to include in the question plan. The Panel asked the officer to type up and circulate the draft question plan. The Panel also noted that it was due to receive the Minister for Home Affairs for a Quarterly Public Hearing on Thursday 26th October 2023 and discussed the topic areas for inclusion in its draft question plan. The Panel was advised that the Prison Governor was not able to attend its hearing in October, and it therefore agreed to extend an alternative invite to a hearing in 2024, once these were scheduled. The Panel discussed public engagement in relation to the forthcoming quarterly hearings and agreed that it would invite questions to be submitted by members of the public. The Panel asked the officer to arrange the social media posts inviting public questions. | KdC KdC |
3. Scrutiny Review: Secondary Education Funding The Panel received an update on the status of various aspects of the review from the Committee and Panel Officer. The Panel noted that it was due to hold a pop-up stand at West's Centre on Wednesday 23rd August 2023 to promote its public survey. |
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4. Letter to the Minister for Children and Education: Safe Recruitment The Panel discussed and approved a draft letter to the Minister for Children and Education which set out queries about the Government's safe recruitment policy and also enquired about good-practice guidance available to other organisations who may employ people to work with children or young people. |
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5. States Business The Panel noted the recent Reports and Ministerial Decisions that had been shared with the Panel and added to its Microsoft Teams folder since the previous meeting. |
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6. Work programme The Panel noted and agreed its current work programme. |
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7. Any Other Business The Chair advised that she had been contacted by a member of the Infrastructure and Environment's Engineering and Development team to see if the Panel had any comments or queries about proposals to provide "skate friendly street furniture" in the Millennium Town Park. A picture and draft plans had been circulated to the Panel on Microsoft Teams, for their information. The Panel discussed the plans but did not have any specific policy or funding related queries about the proposal, or its impact on young people, at this time. |
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8. Future Meetings The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting was due to take place at 9 am on Monday 11th September 2023 in Le Capelain Room, States Building. |
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Date: 30th August 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member |
In attendance | Deputy Inna Gardiner , Minister for Children and Education Connétable Richard Vibert , Assistant Minister for Children and Education Sean O'Regan, Group Director of Education, Department for Children, Education, Young People and Skills (CYPES) Carly Lucas, Team Manager System Redesign and Commissioning, CYPES Martin Keith, Private Secretary for the Minister for Children and Education, Cabinet Office Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Briefing: School Meals The Panel received the Minister for Children and Education, the Assistant Minister and Officers for a private briefing about the provision of school meals in Jersey primary schools. This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35 and a private record was taken. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair (online, via Teams) Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member |
In attendance | Sara Garwood, Senior Policy Officer, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Department (SPPP) Nathan Fox, Head of Policy, Criminal Justice, SPPP Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Briefing: Draft Crime (Public Order) (Jersey) Law 202- The Panel received the Officers for a private briefing about the Draft Crime (Public Order) (Jersey) Law 202-. This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35 and a private record was taken. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée |
In attendance | Connétable Marcus Troy of St Clement, prospective member of the Panel Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted and approved the records of its meetings held on 21st and 30th August 2023. |
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2. Scrutiny Review: Secondary Education Funding The Panel received an update on the status of various aspects of the review from the Committee and Panel Officer. |
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3. Democracy Week: Monday 25th – Saturday 30th September 2023 The Panel noted that it had accepted an invitation to visit Hautlieu School on the morning of Tuesday 26th September as part of event arranged by the States Greffe for Democracy Week. The Panel discussed availability to join pop-up stand events in St. Helier during Democracy Week. |
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4. States Business The Panel noted the Order Paper for the meeting of the States Assembly on 12th September 2023, which included the appointment nomination of the Connétable of St. Clement as a member of the Panel. The Chair of the Panel was not listed as the first respondent to any Propositions listed for debate in the States Assembly at the next sitting. The Panel noted the relevant Reports which had been presented to the States Assembly and also published via gov.je. The Panel also noted Ministerial Decisions signed by the Minister for Home Affairs and the Minister for Children and Education since the time of its previous meeting. |
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5. Work programme The Panel noted and agreed its current work programme. |
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6. Any Other Business The Panel agreed to move the start time of its public hearing with the Minister for Home Affairs on 26th October, from 2 pm to 2.30 pm. |
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The Panel discussed the planned strike action of Teaching Unions. It noted that the NASUWT Teachers Union had called off its planned strike action on Tuesday 12th September 2023, but that the other union, the NEU and headteacher's union, the NAHT were still striking. |
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7. Future Meetings The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting was due to take place at 9am on Monday 25th September 2023 in Le Capelain Room, States Building. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member Connétable Marcus Troy , Member |
Apologies |
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In attendance | Deputy Inna Gardiner , Minister for Children and Education Martin Keith, Private Secretary for the Minister for Children and Education Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Meeting with the Minister for Children and Education The Panel received the Minister for Children and Education for a meeting to discuss various topics. There was no set agenda for discussion, but those present and in attendance discussed various matters, including the recently lodged Proposed Government Plan 2024-2027. This meeting was held in private in accordance with Article 26 the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) and a private record was taken. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member (online, via Teams) |
Apologies | Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Connétable Marcus Troy , Member |
In attendance | Deputy Inna Gardiner , Minister for Children and Education Andrew Heaven, Head of Policy, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Lisa Perkins, Head of Service, Children and Families Hub, Department for Children, Education, Young People and Skills Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Briefing: Preparing for the enactment of the Children and Young People (Jersey) Law 2022 The Panel received the Minister for Children and Education and Officers for a private briefing about the preparations for the enactment of the Children and Young People (Jersey) Law (the Law), including the preparation of statutory guidance which would provide further interpretation as to the practice requirements for the Law. This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35 and a private record was taken. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member Connétable Marcus Troy , Member |
Apologies |
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In attendance | Item 3 only: Kate Wright, Independent Chair, Violence Against Women and Girls Nathan Fox, Head of Policy, Criminal Justice, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Charley Hacquoil, Senior Policy Officer, Criminal Justice Policy, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted and approved the records of the meetings held on 5th and 11th September 2023. |
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2. Quarterly Public Hearing: Minister for Children and Education The Panel noted it was due to receive the Minister for Children and Education for a Quarterly Public Hearing at 10.00am on Thursday 28th September 2023. The Panel noted and discussed its question plan and agreed a number of changes. | KDC/BW |
3. Briefing: Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce Report The Panel received Kate Wright, Independent Chair, Violence Against Women and Girls, Nathan Fox, Head of Policy, Criminal Justice and Charley Hacquoil, Senior Policy Officer, Criminal Justice Policy for Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance, for a private briefing on the Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce Report. This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Absolute Exemption Article 26 and a private record was taken. |
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4. Government Plan 2024-2027 The Panel noted that Government had lodged proposed Government Plan 2024- 2027 [P.72/2023] on 19th September 2023. The Panel was informed by the Committee and Panel Officer that a draft Terms of Reference and Scoping documentation had been produced and would be circulated to the Panel for approval during the week commencing 2nd October 2023. |
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The Panel was then informed that draft correspondence would be provided to the relevant Ministers, and that any amendments brought forward by the Panel to Government Plan 2024-2027, would need to be lodged two weeks prior to the date of the States Assembly debate. The Panel noted it would need to approve an approach to its review of Government Plan 2024-2027 and agreed to discuss this at its next scheduled meeting. |
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5. Scrutiny Review: Secondary Education Funding The Committee and Panel Officer informed the Panel that the expert advisor brief was in the process of being revised and would be provided to the Panel for approval in due course. | BW |
6. States Business The Panel noted and discussed a briefing paper setting out States Business for the consideration of the Panel, including relevant Ministerial Decisions, Propositions and Reports presented to the States Assembly, items of business for forthcoming States Assembly meetings and any oral questions the Panel may wish to ask. |
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7. Work Programme The Panel noted and discussed its work programme which included ongoing reviews of Secondary Education Funding and the Government Plan 2024-2027. |
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8. Future Meetings The Panel noted it was scheduled to undertake a site visit at Hautlieu School at 8:45am and would be participating in a pop-up stand in St Helier at 12pm on 26th September 2023 as part of Democracy Week. The Panel also noted it was scheduled to undertake a site visit to Brighter Futures at The Bridge at 10.00am on Wednesday 27th September 2023. The Panel then noted that its next scheduled meeting was due to take place at 9.00am on Monday 16th October in the Le Capelain Room, States Building. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member |
Apologies | Connétable Marcus Troy |
In attendance | Dr. Nathan Barker, Teacher of Mathematics, Hautlieu School and CYPES Lead Teacher of Secondary Mathematics Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Site Visit: Hautlieu School The Panel visited Hautlieu school as part of public engagement work arranged by the States Greffe for Democracy Week 2023. The Panel observed a Year 12 A-level Mathematics class and participated in a discussion with students about democracy in Jersey and the job of a States Member. The Panel thanked Dr. Barker and the students for their time and the visit was concluded. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member Connétable Marcus Troy , Member |
In attendance | Fiona Brennan, Chief Executive Officer, Brighter Futures Lauren Maggs, Manager, Brighter Futures Judith Hanson, Trust and Grants Manager, Brighter Futures Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Site Visit: Brighter Futures The Panel visited the charity Brighter Futures at its base at The Bridge on Le Geyt Road, St. Saviour , to learn more about the charity and its work with young people and families. Brighter Futures provided support for families and carers of young children when faced with difficulties and challenges in their lives. It was explained that the charity aimed to support families in finding ways to thrive. The Panel learned that Brighter Futures ran 25 different programmes which were focussed under one of three main areas, namely:
It was stated that Government funding for Brighter Futures had remained static between 2014 and 2022. As per the 2022 Annual Report, the Government had provided 8% of the charity's funding. The Panel and meeting attendees discussed the positive impact of the charity's work on both individuals and the wider community. It was advised that the charity received clients through both professional and self-referrals; and that Brighter Futures' largest growing area was referrals from midwives for the perinatal wellbeing pathway. It was noted that The Bridge was a shared use community centre building, and the Panel received a tour of the areas used by Brighter Futures for providing support and services. It was confirmed that a service charge was paid to the Department for Children, Education, Young People and Skills (CYPES) for the use of the building. Brighter Futures indicated that it wished to extend course availability to other locations as well in future. The Panel thanked the representatives from Brighter Futures for their time and the visit was concluded. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member Connétable Marcus Troy , Member |
In attendance | Deputy Inna Gardiner , Minister for Children and Education Deputy Louise Doublet , Assistant Minister for Children and Education Rob Sainsbury, Chief Officer of Children, Education, Young People and Skills (CYPES) Seán O'Regan, Group Director for CYPES Jonathan Williams, Programme Director for Education Reform, CYPES Darren Bowring, Associate Director of Mental Health and Well-being, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), CYPES Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer Katie Bastiman, Communications Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Quarterly Public Hearing: Minister for Children and Education The Panel noted and discussed its question plan in preparation for the Public Hearing with the Minister for Children and Education at 10.00 am. The Panel welcomed the Minister for Children and Education, the Assistant Minister, and various Government Officers for a Quarterly Public Hearing at 10.00 am. The hearing was recorded, and webcast live via Public-I and a transcript was produced. Following the Public Hearing, the Panel discussed key topics to include on a press release and its social media updates with the Panel's Communications Officer. | KB |
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member |
Apologies | Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Connétable Marcus Troy , Member |
In attendance | James Le Cornu, President, States of Jersey Police Association Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Panel Meeting with the States of Jersey Police Association representative The Panel welcomed James Le Cornu, President of the States of Jersey Police Association (the SoJPA President') for a discussion about the forthcoming Police Complaints Regulations (Regulations'). The meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 26 and a private record was taken. The Panel noted that it was yet to be briefed by the Minister or Government Policy Officers about the Regulations but was grateful to receive the feedback provided by the SoJPA President. The Panel thanked the SoJPA President for his time and the meeting was concluded. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée Connétable Marcus Troy |
In attendance | Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted and approved the records of its meetings held on 20th, 21st, 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th September 2023. |
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2. Quarterly Public Hearing: Minister for Justice and Home Affairs The Panel noted that it was due to receive the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs for a quarterly Public Hearing at 2:30 pm on Thursday 26th October 2023. Apologies were provided for the hearing from Connétable Mark Labey . The Panel discussed and agreed its question plan for the hearing, which included questions and topic areas which had been submitted and suggested by members of the public. |
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3. Scrutiny Review: Proposed Government Plan 2024-2027 The Panel noted the content of a briefing paper, prepared by the Committee and Panel Officer in respect of the Proposed Government Plan 2024-2027. It then discussed and reviewed draft correspondence to Ministers and external stakeholders. A number of additions and changes were requested and the Panel agreed that the Chair would provide final approval for the correspondence after the updates had been made. The Panel also noted that:
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4. States Business The Panel noted the recent Reports and Ministerial Decisions that had been shared with the Panel and added to its Microsoft Teams folder since the previous meeting. |
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5. Work programme The Panel noted and agreed its current work programme. |
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6. Future Meetings The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting was due to take place at 9am on Monday 30th October 2023 in Le Capelain Room, States Building. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member Connétable Marcus Troy , Member |
Apologies | Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair |
In attendance | Deputy Helen Miles , Minister for Home Affairs Kate Briden, Chief Officer, Justice and Home Affairs Robin Smith, Chief of Police, States of Jersey Police Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer Katie Bastiman, Communications Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Quarterly Public Hearing: Minister for Home Affairs The Panel noted and discussed its question plan in preparation for the Public Hearing with the Minister for Home Affairs at 2.30 pm. The Panel welcomed the Minister for Home Affairs and Government Officers for a Quarterly Public Hearing. The hearing was recorded, and webcast live via Public-I and a transcript was produced. Following the Public Hearing, the Panel discussed key topics to include on a press release and its social media updates with the Panel's Communications Officer. | KB |
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member Connétable Marcus Troy , Member |
Apologies | Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair |
In attendance | Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer Katie Bastiman, Communications Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted that records of meetings held on 16th, 25th and 26th October would be completed and shared with the Panel for consideration and approval in due course. | KDC/BW |
2. Scrutiny Review: Government Plan 2024-2027 The Panel noted it was due to receive the Minister for Children and Education for a Public Hearing on Tuesday 31st October at 12:30pm. The Panel noted and discussed its question plan, agreed a number of changes and requested that the Officer circulate an updated question plan ahead of the Public Hearing. The Panel discussed and agreed a potential amendment to the Government Plan 2024-2027. | BW BW/KDC |
3. States Business The Panel noted that the Children (Convention Rights) (Commencement) (Jersey) Act 202- (P.81/2023) had been lodged for debate by the States Assembly on 28th November 2023. |
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4. Work Programme The Panel discussed its work programme for 2023/2024 and noted that it had paused work on its review of Secondary Education Funding whilst undertaking its review of Government Plan 2024-2027. The Panel requested that the Officer revise draft correspondence to potential expert advisors, and the advisor brief on the Panel's review of Secondary Education Funding, for the Panel to consider and approve. | BW/KDC |
5. Any Other Business The Panel noted that Panel meetings on the States Assembly website displayed the start time of 10.00am instead of the revised start time of 9.00am and requested that the Officer update the States Assembly website to reflect the amended start time. | BW |
6. Future Meetings The Panel noted that its scheduled meeting would take place at 9.00am on Monday 6th November 2023 in the Le Capelain Room, States Building. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member |
Apologies | Connétable Marcus Troy , Member |
In attendance | Deputy Inna Gardiner , Minister for Children and Education Connétable Richard Vibert , Assistant Minister for Children and Education Rob Sainsbury, Chief Officer of Children, Education, Young People and Skills (CYPES) Anne Homer, Head of Finance Business Partnering, CYPES Jonathan Williams, Programme Director for Education Reform, CYPES Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer Katie Bastiman, Communications Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Review of the Proposed Government Plan 2024 – 2027: Public Hearing with the Minister for Children and Education The Panel noted and discussed its question plan in preparation for the Public Hearing with the Minister for Children and Education at 12:00pm. The Panel welcomed the Minister for Children and Education, the Assistant Minister, and various Government Officers for a Public Hearing at 12:30pm. The hearing was recorded, and webcast live via Public-I and a transcript was produced. Following the Public Hearing, the Panel discussed key topics to include on social media updates with the Panel's Communications Officer. | KB |
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair |
Apologies | Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member Connétable Marcus Troy , Member |
In attendance | Deputy Inna Gardiner , Minister for Children and Education Connétable Richard Vibert , Assistant Minister for Children and Education Two elected representatives from the relevant electoral district / Parish Marie-Claire Hannigan, Team Manager, System Redesign and Commissioning, Children, Young People, Education and Skills (CYPES) Emmy Lyndsay, Head of Service, CYPES Richard Dyer, Service Manager for CAMHS Looked After Children, CYPES Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Briefing: Therapeutic Children's Home The Minister advised that the Scrutiny Panel and all elected district representatives had been invited to the briefing to hear CYPES' plans for a new Therapeutic Children's Home in Jersey following the identification of a suitable property. The meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 26 and a private record was taken. The Panel thanked the Minister, Assistant Minister, Government Officers and attendees for their time and the briefing was concluded. |
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Present | Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Connétable Marcus Troy , Member |
Apologies | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member |
In attendance | Deputy Helen Miles , Minister for Home Affairs Kate Briden, Chief Officer, Justice and Home Affairs Robin Smith, Chief Officer, States of Jersey Police Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer Katie Bastiman, Communications Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Review of the Proposed Government Plan 2024 – 2027: Public Hearing with the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs The Panel noted and discussed its question plan in preparation for the Public Hearing with the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs at 11:30 am. The Panel welcomed the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, the Chief Officer for Justice and Home Affairs, and the Chief of Police for a Public Hearing at 1:00 pm. The hearing was recorded, and webcast live via Public-I and a transcript was produced. Following the Public Hearing, the Panel discussed key topics to include on social media updates with the Panel's Communications Officer. | KB |
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Connétable Marcus Troy , Member |
Apologies | Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member |
In attendance | Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel noted that records of meetings held on 10th, 16th, 26th, 30th, 31st October, 9th and 10th November 2023. |
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2. Meeting with the Acting Children's Commissioner The Panel received Andrea Le Saint, Acting Children's Commissioner, and Tara Murphy, Policy Officer at the Office of the Children's Commissioner, for a quarterly catch up meeting. The meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 26 and a private record was taken. Discussion topics included off-island placements for children, secure accommodation for children and young people, the proposed therapeutic children's care home, the Government's youth justice strategy, and the Health and Social Security Panel's published review of income support overpayments. The Panel thanked the Acting Children's Commissioner and the Policy Officer for their time, and they left the meeting. |
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3. Scrutiny Review: Proposed Government Plan 2024-2027 The Panel noted the progress of its review and agreed that it would present its findings and recommendations in a comments paper, to be considered for approval for lodging prior to the debate of the Proposed Government Plan 2024-2027 (P.72/2023) by the States Assembly in the week commencing 11th December 2023. The Panel agreed to progress with drafting two amendments to P.72/2023, namely:
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The Panel requested that the amendments and accompanying reports be prepared for approval for lodging at its next meeting. | KdC |
4. Assisted Dying Review Panel The Chair advised the Panel that the Scrutiny Liaison Committee (SLC) had agreed to the establishment of a review panel in 2024 to consider the matter of Assisted Dying. The SLC had considered that a Review Panel was suitable due to the span of remit of this matter across the Ministerial portfolios (e.g. Health, Justice and Home Affairs and Environment). The Chair asked Panel members to consider if they would wish to represent the Panel as a member of the Review Panel. After due discussion and consideration the Panel agreed that the Chair would be its representative on the Review Panel, once it was established. |
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5. States Business The Panel noted the recent Reports and Ministerial Decisions that had been shared with the Panel and added to its Microsoft Teams folder since the previous meeting. |
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6. Work Programme The Panel noted and agreed its current work programme. |
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7. Any Other Business The Panel noted that, during the course of the meeting, the Proposition for the Appointment of the Commissioner for Children and Young People' [P.96/2023] proposing the appointment of Dr. Carmel Corrigan had been lodged for approval by the States Assembly. |
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8. Future Meetings The Panel noted that its scheduled meeting would take place at 9.00am on Monday 27th November 2023 in the Le Capelain Room, States Building. |
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Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Connétable Marcus Troy , Member Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member |
Apologies |
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In attendance | Nathan Fox, Head of Policy, Criminal Justice, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Sara Garwood, Senior Policy Officer, Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer Joe Brannigan, Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Briefing: Draft Police (Complaints and Conduct) (Procedures) (Jersey) Regulations 202- The Panel received Nathan Fox, Head of Policy, Criminal Justice and Sara Garwood, Senior Policy Officer for Strategic Policy, Planning and Performance, for a private briefing on the Draft Police (Complaints and Conduct) (Procedures) (Jersey) Regulations 202-. This meeting was held in private in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 (as amended) under Qualified Exemption Article 35 and a private record was taken. |
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Date: 27th November 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member |
Apologies | Connétable Marcus Troy , Member |
In attendance | Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer Joe Brannigan, Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Briefing: Draft Police (Complaints and Conduct) (Procedures) (Jersey) Regulations 202- The Panel recalled the private briefing it received from Government Officers in relation to the Draft Police (Complaints and Conduct) (Procedures) (Jersey) Regulations 202- (Regulations') on 21st November 2023. The Panel noted that it, and the Comité des Connétable s, had provided feedback following the briefing, and the Panel would await further updates on the development of the Regulations. |
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2. Quarterly Hearing with the Minister for Children and Education The Panel noted it was due to receive the Minister for Children and Education for a Quarterly Public Hearing at 2:30pm on Friday 1st December 2023. The Panel noted and discussed its question plan and requested that the Officer make a number of changes. | BW |
3. Scrutiny Review: Government Plan 2024-2027 The Panel reviewed and approved both of its Amendments to the Proposed Government Plan 2024-2027 and requested that these be lodged ahead of the States Assembly debate on the matter. The Panel noted and discussed potential findings and recommendations to set out in its comments paper on the Proposed Government Plan 2024-2027. The Officer informed the Panel that a draft comments paper would be shared with the Panel for approval in due course. | KDC KDC |
4. Letters The Panel noted a schedule of letters received from the Ministers for Children and Education, Home Affairs and Treasury and Resources since September 2023. Minister for Children and Education: • Government Plan 2024-2027 Review (24th October 2023) • Headteacher pay negotiations (13th November 2023) | KDC/BW |
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• Missing person appeals (26th September 2023) • Government Plan 2024-2027 Review in relation to Justice and Home Affairs (31st October 2024) • Government Plan 2024-2027 Review in relation to the States of Jersey Police (31st October 2024) • Government Plan 2024-2027 Review in relation to areas of follow up from the Public Hearing with the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs (21st November 2023) Assistant Minister for Treasury and Resources: |
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Government Plan 2024-2027 Review in relation to the Criminal Offences Confiscation Fund (23rd October 2023) | ||
5. States Business The Panel noted and discussed the Draft Crime (Public Order) (Jersey) Law 202- (P.97/2023) lodged by the Minister for Home Affairs on 22nd November 2023. The Panel requested the Officer draft a comments paper on P.97/2023 for the Panel to consider and approve. | KDC | |
6. Any Other Business The Officer informed the Panel that the Minister for Children and Education would be undertaking school site visits in 2024 and had extended an invitation for the Panel to participate in these. The Panel requested the Officer make arrangements for the Panel to undertake school site visits in 2024. | KDC/BW | |
7. Future Meetings The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting was due to take place at 9:00am on Monday 4th December 2023 in the Le Capelain Room, States Building |
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Date: 1st December 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member Connétable Marcus Troy , Member |
In attendance | Deputy Inna Gardiner , Minister for Children and Education Connétable Richard Vibert , Assistant Minister for Children and Education Rob Sainsbury, Chief Officer of Children, Education, Young People and Skills (CYPES) Darren Bowring, Associate Director of Mental Health and Well-being, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), CYPES Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer Charlotte Curry, Communications Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Quarterly Public Hearing: Minister for Children and Education The Panel noted and discussed its question plan in preparation for the Public Hearing with the Minister for Children and Education at 2.30 pm. The Panel welcomed the Minister for Children and Education, the Assistant Minister, and various Government Officers for a Quarterly Public Hearing at 2.30 pm. The hearing was recorded, and webcast live via Public-I and a transcript was produced. Following the Public Hearing, the Panel discussed key topics to include on a press release and its social media updates with the Communications Officer. | CC |
Date: 4th December 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member |
Apologies | Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Connétable Marcus Troy , Member |
In attendance | Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer Joseph Brannigan, Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Scrutiny Review: Proposed Government Plan 2024-2027 The Panel discussed and confirmed its final findings and recommendations resulting from its review of the Proposed Government Plan 2024 – 2027 (P.72/2023). After due discussion and consideration, the Panel approved its comments paper subject to minor amendments and asked the officer to arrange for it to be presented to the States Assembly. | KdC |
2. States Business The Panel noted the recent Reports and Ministerial Decisions that had been shared with the Panel and added to its Microsoft Teams folder since the previous meeting. |
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3. Future Meetings The Panel noted that its scheduled meeting would take place at 9:00am on Monday 18th December 2023 in the Le Capelain Room, States Building. |
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Date: 18th December 2023
Present | Deputy Catherine Curtis , Chair Connétable Mark Labey , Vice-Chair Connétable Marcus Troy , Member Deputy Beatriz Porée , Member |
In attendance | Katherine de Carteret, Committee and Panel Officer Ben Walker , Research and Project Officer Joe Brannigan, Research and Project Officer |
Agenda matter | Action |
1. Records of Meetings The Panel approved the records of its meetings held on 20th November and 1st December 2023. | JJB |
2. Quarterly Hearing with the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs The Panel discussed areas of interest and questions to include in its question plan for the Public Hearing with the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs in quarter one of 2024. The Panel asked the officer to prepare and circulate the draft question plan. | JJB/BW |
3. Scrutiny Review: Government Plan 2024-2027 The Panel discussed initial reflections and feedback about the process and experience of its review of the Proposed Government Plan 2024-2027 (the Government Plan'), lodged as P.72/2023. The Panel was pleased with the output of its review of the Government Plan and noted that its two amendments (Amendment 21 and Amendment 24) had been accepted by the Government. It was further noted that the proposition, as amended (by various amendments), had been approved by the States Assembly on Thursday 14th December 2023. The officer shared social media engagement statistics from X' (formerly Twitter) and Facebook in relation to the States Assembly posts referencing the Panel's public review hearings. The Panel requested further information about pay inflation reported to be held centrally in reserves and requested that the officer undertake research on this for the Panel's information and to aid understanding in 2024. The Panel also made suggestions about the process of communication between the Government and the Panel around the acceptance of amendments and resulting impact on the Order Paper and debate format. The Panel reviewed a draft letter to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) which set out its findings in relation to the Criminal Offences Confiscation Fund and shared the queries it had around the governance of special funds which had been noted as part of the comments paper. The Panel approved the letter and asked the officer to send it for the attention of the Chair of the PAC. | KdC KdC |
4. Children and Civil Status Law The Panel discussed the draft Children and Civil Status Law (the draft Law') and noted that it was anticipated it would be lodged before the end of 2023. The Panel agreed that it would conduct a review on the draft Law to collate stakeholder opinion. The Panel tasked officers to prepare a Terms of Reference and Scoping Document for its review. | KdC |
5. Secondary Education Funding Review The Panel discussed Secondary Education Funding Review and agreed to develop a new plan for resuming the review in 2024. | KdC |
6. States Business The Panel noted and discussed a briefing paper setting out States Business for the consideration of the Panel, including Ministerial Decisions, Propositions and Reports presented to the States Assembly. |
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7. Work Programme The Panel noted its work programme and discussed visits and briefings that it would like to arrange for 2024. Requests included visits to (at least) two primary schools to observe the rollout of the school meals programme. Briefing requests included topics in relation to: children's social care; secure accommodation for young people; and the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs' newest remit of Justice'. The officer undertook to make the necessary arrangements. | KdC |
8. Any Other Business The Panel noted the written response from the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs to the report on Work Permit Holder Welfare (S.R.2/2023) published by the Work Permit Holder Welfare Review Panel (the Review Panel'), of which Deputy Porée was the Chair and Connétable Troy was a member. The Panel discussed whether it would be required to take any action on the findings or recommendations highlighted by the Review Panel. Deputy Porée provided a verbal update to the Panel and advised that the Review Panel remained active and would be undertaking some further follow up work. The Panel noted that no further action was required from it at this time. Additionally, the Panel noted that this was its last scheduled meeting of the year and expressed its thanks to all the Panel officers for support provided in 2023. |
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9. Future Meetings The Panel considered and approved its schedule of proposed meeting dates for 2024. The Panel requested the officer circulate calendar appointments accordingly. The Panel noted that its next scheduled meeting was due to take place at 9 am on Monday 22nd January 2024 in the Le Capelain Room of the States Assembly Building. | JJB |