Future of Health and Education on table at IoD Debate

Monday 15 June 2015

Productivity and efficiency in Jersey’s health and education sectors are set to fall under the microscope at this year’s Jersey Institute of Directors Annual Debate, as expert panellists discuss whether Jersey’s approach to health and education is sufficiently innovative and suited to ensure a positive future for islanders and local businesses.

Entitled "Health and Education: time for a big re-think?", the event, sponsored by law firm Carey Olsen, will take place on Thursday 17th September from 4.45pm at the RJA&HS and explore whether Jersey needs to adapt or change its health and education models and whether they currently mirror the UK too closely.

The event will also look at a number of specific opportunities in both areas, including e-Health services, plans for a new hospital, the role of education in supporting economic growth and how education models in other jurisdictions around the world might be applied in a Jersey context.

Featuring a high calibre line-up of education and health experts from Jersey and further afield, including Education Minister Rod Bryans and Health Minister Andrew Green, and with others to be announced in due course, the event will once again be moderated by news broadcaster Alastair Stewart OBE.

A presenter of a range of news and current affairs programmes including the ITV Evening News, Lunchtime News and News at Ten, in 2005, Alastair was The Royal Television Society’s Presenter of the Year, and in 2006 he was awarded the OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for his work in broadcasting and for charity. He is now well versed in Jersey's economy and the issues facing the island.

Commenting on the topic for this year’s Debate, IoD Jersey Chairman Wendy Dorman, said: "The role of education in supporting Jersey’s growth ambitions formed a key part of our Debate last year, and our discussions this year will build on that and ask whether we should be being bolder, more creative and more innovative in our approach both to education and health. Against a backdrop of technological developments and a growing focus on international trade amongst local businesses, there are real questions about whether Jersey’s health and education systems are delivering the services and skills local businesses and islanders need, and I expect it to be another lively debate of real significance for Jersey’s future.”

Alex Ohlsson, Managing Partner of sponsor Carey Olsen, commented: “Jersey has long had a tradition of adapting to the times, and our needs in both the health and education sectors are now providing a genuine test for the island once again. It’s clear that there are opportunities as Jersey talks about constructing a new hospital and adapting its education system to meet the skills needs of businesses, but do we need to adapt the models that we currently use? Carey Olsen is delighted to be supporting the IoD Jersey Debate once again this year, and look forward to hearing the views of islanders and experts from further afield.”

The Institute of Directors Annual Debate, which ordinarily attracts an audience of over 400 people, will take place on Thursday 17 September 2015 at the RJA&HS from 4.45pm – 9.45pm and is open to IoD members and non-members, politicians and all islanders who have a view on the topic. To reserve a place at £80 per person, including a supper, or a table of 12, contact the IoD Jersey Branch Officer on 610799 or e-mail jedirector@localdial.com. Further information will be available via the IoD Jersey website at www.iod.je, the IoD Jersey 2015 Debate Group on LinkedIn and by following @iodjersey on Twitter.