Wanted: "Everyday islanders" for Consumer Council

Friday 20 April 2018

Jersey’s Consumer Council is on the hunt for "everyday islanders" to join them and help form a new approach to tackling consumer issues.

Anyone with an interest in consumer matters or who thinks they have something that can make a difference is being invited to apply to become a member of the Council.

Under the leadership of newly-elected Chairman Carl Walker, it is hoped a broad membership will help shape the views of the Consumer Council by drawing on their day-to-day experiences of island life.

Mr Walker said: "It is vital, in my view, that as the new Chairman of the Council I can sit in front of a politician, a business leader or industry body and be sure that I am relaying the views and expressing the concerns of consumers in this island. To do this, we need a broader pool of people involved, so that we can build on the good work already done and take that message forward with confidence.

"Each and every one of us is a consumer and we all have mixed experiences. To some people in Jersey, a small change to a service – good or bad – can make a huge difference and the decision makers behind those changes should know the impact that their decisions can have. Therefore, I would like to form a Council which is made up of a cross-section of the community so that all consumers are being represented. That way we can ensure that they are getting fair representation and that their voices will be heard."

The appeal for new members comes as the terms of office of many of the existing Consumer Council members come to an end. However, those industry experts and business leaders who make up the existing panel are being invited to become Consumer Council Advisers. They will be available to be called upon when needed to give advice and also to help modernise the Consumer Council’s constitution and terms of reference.