AN independent review into all aspects of sport in Jersey has been launched as the government examines how its sport and physical activity strategy is delivered.
Former head of sport for the Mayor of London Simon Cooper is due to begin work on the review today having been commissioned by Deputy Lucy Stephenson, the Assistant Minister with responsibility for sport.
The review will cover the working relationship between the government and Jersey Sport, the arms-length organisation set up in 2017 to oversee sport and encourage Islanders to remain active.
Looking at the structure, organisation, management and delivery of Jersey Sport, the review will consider whether these aspects meet ministers’ Common Strategic Policy and the priorities of the Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture Department.
Deputy Stephenson said: ‘This strategic review of the sports delivery landscape is important to understand where we are now, and what changes – if any – we need to make in order to achieve value for money and effectiveness for Islanders.
‘I was particularly keen to ensure it was an independent review by someone without preconceived views on Jersey’s sporting set up, and in Simon, we have someone whose knowledge and experience in the area of sport policy and its development is first class.’
The intention, Deputy Stephenson added, was that Mr Cooper would act as a ‘critical friend’, and that his report would be used to ensure Jersey had the right structure and resources in place to enable all Islanders to get involved in sport.
Addressing the review’s focus on Jersey Sport, Deputy Stephenson added: ‘It is good practice to review arm’s length organisations to determine how they are performing against their service-level agreement, and to ensure that their work is in line with government objectives.
‘This is an excellent opportunity to review Jersey Sport in the wider context, and to determine what barriers – if any – there are to achieving the goals set out in Inspiring an Active Jersey.’
Between 2008 and 2019, Mr Cooper held overall responsibility for the Mayor of London’s sport programme, which comprised two main elements: community sport across London and attracting major sports events to the city.
Mr Cooper was previously responsible for managing relations between the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and a range of public bodies which accounted for more than 95% of the department’s £1 billion budget.
The government said that Mr Cooper’s report was expected to published in the summer of 2023.
