A SCRUTINY panel has challenged ministers over what it describes as “dismissive” and “insufficient” responses to key recommendations on lifelong learning – warning that important feedback risks being overlooked.
Children, Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel chair Deputy Catherine Curtis outlined her concerns in a letter to Education Minister Deputy Rob Ward and Economic Development Minister Deputy Kirsten Morel following their joint response to a recent review.
Central to the panel’s concerns is the rejection of a recommendation for a single, clearly identifiable information hub for lifelong learning.
Ministers argued that Skills Jersey already fulfils this role, but the panel stressed that “the desire for a single, clearly identifiable central information point was a strong and consistent theme” in evidence gathered during the review.
The panel also questioned what it called inconsistencies in the ministers’ position on support for sole traders. While one part of the response suggested certain sole-person businesses could qualify for support after hiring staff, another stated that “sole traders remain out of scope… unless they make their first hire.” The panel said these statements appear “contradictory” and has asked ministers to clarify how they align.
Concerns were also raised about the rejection of further research into lifelong learning. Ministers pointed to the Children and Young People’s Survey 2026, but the panel argued this was too narrow – stating that research must also include adults, particularly those who have recently completed apprenticeships.
On proposals for modular adult learning courses, the panel suggested ministers may have misunderstood its recommendation. It emphasised that it was not proposing new qualifications, but rather a flexible “modular, stackable, and blended” programme for career changers.
The panel further criticised the rejection of several recommendations based solely on timelines, saying the rationale provided “does not fully address” the decision-making process. It also queried why a recommendation on funding for shortage sectors was rejected outright, rather than partially accepted if already in place.
In its concluding remarks, the panel said the ministerial response appeared “dismissive” of stakeholder contributions, including private submissions, and gave “insufficient consideration” to expert advice from Professor Ellen Boeren.
Describing lifelong learning and apprenticeships as “of critical importance to the future development of the Island’s skills base and wider economy,” the panel urged ministers to reconsider aspects of their response and provide clarification by 17 April.
