IoD: Get involved in Future Jersey!

Thursday 28 September 2017

One of Jersey's senior business leaders is urging islanders to respond to a key government consultation on the future of the island, before next week's deadline.

The Future Jersey document was published in July, but comments need to be in by October 4 - and IoD Chairman Chris Clark wants islanders to get involved on key issues such population growth, which was raised at the recent annual IoD debate.

Future Jersey was drafted following the 'My Jersey' public consultation survey which received 4,150 responses and over 8,000 comments describing people's aspirations for the island.

Drawing from people's responses to 'My Jersey', it sets out 10 community, environmental and economic outcomes:

1. We will feel safe and protected at home, work and in public
2. Our children will enjoy the best start in life
3. We will enjoy living in a vibrant and inclusive community
4. We will enjoy long, healthy and active lives
5. We will value and enjoy our built and historic environment
6. We will protect our unique natural environment for future generations
7. We will use and maintain our natural resources responsibly
8. We will be able to afford a decent standard of living
9. Our island will be an attractive place to do business
10. We will be able to benefit from a strong economy and rewarding job opportunities.

Those are described as, "...big picture issues that drive people's quality of life." Dr Ian Skinner,  Assistant Director for Strategic Planning, says: "They are not about instant results but about where we want to be."

Pictured: IoD Chairman Chris Clark hopes that islanders will put forward their views on how Jersey could change for the better.

Progress made on those outcomes will be assessed according to 58 'Island Indicators'. In 'My Jersey' respondents were asked to give Jersey a score on different topics such as crime reduction, work/life balance health, historic buildings and others, as well as being asked what they would like that score to be in the future. 

Mr Clark commented: “The recent IoD Annual Debate showed that there are real challenges on the horizon for Jersey, not least in relation to the imbalance we face with an ageing population. Our debate highlighted that there are many opportunities for the Island to maintain its position as a fantastic place to live and work but to create a sustainable future, we have to look at many areas holistically to ensure a joined-up strategy that works for all areas of our community.

“It is apparent that there are a lot of polarised views amongst our community regarding how efficiently our public sector is run, the effectiveness of our education system to prepare our children for life, as well as how we are taxed both as individuals and in business.

“Future Jersey is a really useful initiative. It is an opportunity for you to have your say for the longer term. This, in its own right is something which historically the IoD and many others have asked for, a strategy which provides purpose and direction for our Government to take action which lasts longer than our election cycle. It promises to become a blueprint with which decisions and policies can be implemented to support the overall aspirations of you, the public, in a joined-up way – why would you not want a voice to help shape a sustainable future for our island?

“It should be noted that the document, whilst clearly a high level first step in the process, requires engagement with Islanders and businesses alike, openly and in greater depth to ensure that the final blueprint for our future reflects the needs of all stakeholders equally and effectively.

“We would encourage you to share your vision for the future and provide constructive feedback in relation to the Future Jersey survey.”

You can respond to the Future Jersey document here.