THE States could be asked to approve proposals to allow politicians to attend sittings remotely, as part of plans to improve support for working parents.
The Privileges and Procedures Committee is considering lodging a proposition which would allow Members to join debates online – as they did during the Covid pandemic – in a move which the group believes could particularly help working mothers.
Providing more support for mothers in the political arena has become a focus for the PPC, after the number of female States Members hit a record high following the last election.
Constable Karen Shenton-Stone, chair of the PPC, said: “As a woman working in politics, I am acutely aware of the challenges we face and wholeheartedly agree that while significant strides in achieving a more gender-balanced Assembly have been made, there is still work to be done.
“Work such as this is incredibly important to ensuring that the States Assembly operates inclusively and continues to improve upon a work-life balance for all Members, including those with care responsibilities.”
She added: “Should this proposition be adopted, those with care responsibilities would be able to continue to participate in States sittings remotely, should they choose to, during health-related incidents of a family member.”
Mrs Shenton-Stone added that The Diversity Forum, a sub-committee of the PPC, was working to increase inclusivity within the Assembly through initiatives such as diversity training and promoting diversity in election campaigns.
She also pointed to the fact that parental care commitments had been an excuse for absence at States sittings since 2020, following the adoption of a proposition from Deputy Louise Doublet.
