THE way in which government policies are made in Jersey is “deficient”, according to an independent think-tank.
A newly released report from Policy Centre Jersey has said that good policy-making depends on hearing the views of those most affected by a new policy, and those with experience and knowledge of the issue. But the report, written by the group’s senior adviser Sir Mark Boleat, found that this did not always happen in Jersey.
In the report, Sir Mark said: “The major deficiency is a failure to have meaningful consultation with relevant organisations.
“Closed-question online surveys are the preferred means of responding to consultations. This is not sufficient and often they do not cover key issues and run the risk of questions being biased. Respondents are asked to give little information about themselves, so there is no way of assessing how representative respondents are.”
He added: “Responses to consultation exercises are often non-existent or poor, in particular by failing to indicate how policy has been influenced.”
Among recommended improvements, he said there should be “meaningful engagement with relevant organisations or people” and respondents should be asked to give basic information such as age, ethnic origin, sex, employment status and income so that an it can be determined how representative of the whole population they are.
Policy Centre Jersey is holding a breakfast discussion meeting on the report on Friday 28 June at the BDO Offices, Windward House, Route de la Libération, with doors opening from 8am. To book go to eventbrite.
