With a new Council of Ministers now in place, attention is turning from political promises to the decisions that will shape Jersey over the next four years.
From charities and conservationists to business leaders and the finance industry, organisations across the Island are urging the new government to act decisively on the issues they believe matter most.
Express asked representatives from a range of sectors one simple question: if the new government could prioritise just one thing, what should it be?
Their answers reveal a common theme – a desire for less bureaucracy, closer partnership with government and bold action to secure Jersey’s future…
Recognising the “vital role” of charities
The Association of Jersey Charities asked election candidates to sign up to a pledge to “recognise the vital role charities play in Jersey and commit to strengthening the partnership between government and the charitable sector”.
This pledge received broad support.
Of the 49 elected candidates:
- 44 (90%) responded to the pledge request
- 38 (78%) confirmed that they support the pledge in full
- Four indicated that they broadly support the pledge but chose not to sign election pledges
- Two indicated partial support for the pledge
- Five did not respond
The AJC said: “If there is one thing we would urge the new government to prioritise, it is to move from goodwill to genuine, embedded partnership with the charitable sector.
“So many candidates signed our pledge because they recognise what our charities already deliver – significant economic value, thousands of volunteers, and frontline services that reach Islanders who might otherwise fall through the gaps.
“The single most powerful step now is to formally recognise charities as strategic partners: consulting them early on the policies that affect the communities they serve, and putting in place the stable, multi-year funding and fair commissioning that let charities plan, innovate and sustain those services.
“This does not require more money but unlocks enormous value – better services, reduced pressure on public services, and a more resilient Island.”
“A strong finance industry means a strong Island”
Jersey Finance chief executive Joe Moynihan called for the new government to work “constructively and in close partnership with the finance industry”.
He said: “In an increasingly uncertain and fast-changing global environment, the next government should prioritise working constructively and in close partnership with the finance industry to ensure our Island remains a highly competitive, forward-looking international finance centre.
“As a connected ecosystem of 14,000 financial and related professional services, the industry supports around two in every five jobs, contributes around £4 billion to the local economy each year and generates more than half of Jersey’s tax revenues.
“Our perspective is clear: a strong finance industry means a strong Island. Its success supports public services and local businesses and sustains quality of life across Jersey.”
A call for planning reform
Outside of the finance industry, the Jersey Construction Council has urged the new government to deliver co-ordinated planning reform and procurement evolution to enable investment, sustainable development and long-term value for Jersey.
A spokesperson said: “The Jersey Construction Council encourages the next Assembly to adopt a positive, forward-looking approach by committing to practical, deliverable actions supported by strong collaboration with industry.
“By streamlining processes and acting as an enabler, government can unlock greater levels of sustainable development and inward investment.
“There is significant opportunity to strengthen the Island’s circular economy – reducing waste, lowering whole-life costs, building more resilient local supply chains, and retaining greater economic value within Jersey. Delivering these benefits will require clear, coordinated and consistent political leadership.
“An updated Bridging Island Plan, alongside more agile and proportionate planning processes, will be essential to ensure that policy frameworks support rather than constrain growth.
“Public procurement should also continue to evolve, with greater emphasis on whole-life value, circular outcomes, and wider economic benefits.
“With certainty, leadership and targeted investment, industry will be well placed to invest in skills, innovation and services – supporting a resilient and thriving Jersey.”
“Stop talking about digital transformation and start forcing its adoption”
Digital Jersey called for the new Council of Ministers to “stop talking about digital transformation and start forcing its adoption”.
A spokesperson said: “If the next government had to focus on one priority, it should be this: stop talking about digital transformation and start forcing its adoption.
“Jersey has spent years producing strategies, yet productivity remains flat and too many businesses and public services are still operating as if it’s 2015, not 2026.
“AI and emerging technologies are not a future opportunity – they are a present reality – and the jurisdictions that move quickest to adopt them will pull ahead rapidly.
“That means being far more decisive: investing in skills at pace, enabling access to data, removing regulatory friction, and setting an expectation that both government and industry actually use these tools to deliver better outcomes.
“If we don’t, we risk becoming a place that discusses innovation rather than one that benefits from it.”
“Bring in agile solutions to remove unnecessary red tape”
The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust called for the new ministers to “make island life easier” and “action promises made to the charitable and visitor economy sectors”.
A spokesperson explained: “Outdated policies and onerous regulation make operating in Jersey challenging and has caused significant financial pressures for both Islanders and businesses.
“Both the Jersey Hospitality Association and the Association of Jersey Charities issued calls to action ahead of the election with the aim of strengthening strategic partnerships between government and businesses.
“This was to ensure policy changes and solutions were a collaborative effort, with clear action or support from government to deliver the impact or change needed. This was broadly supported by those elected and is much needed.
“We hope the government acts fast in both of these areas, bringing in agile solutions to remove unnecessary red tape, whilst also supporting initiatives to encourage innovation and investment into Jersey.
“This would have a huge positive impact across all sectors and residents. We want to see Islanders lead a vibrant quality of life, with a diverse sustainable economy. A well-supported charitable sector is fundamental to achieving this.”
“Investment in literacy will benefit the Island both socially and economically”
Literacy charity Every Child Our Future called for the new government to invest in the Island’s literacy.
A spokesperson said: “The future of the Island depends on our young people; therefore, education should be a priority. Literacy is central to that priority.
“Reading is the foundation for learning, opportunity and future success.
“We need a sustained focus on developing strong reading skills and positive attitudes to reading from the earliest years onwards, recognising that early intervention has a lasting impact on educational and life outcomes.
“We want every school equipped with a well-resourced library and every child given access to books and reading support, regardless of their background.
“Investment in literacy will benefit the island both socially and economically. If we want to build a stronger, more prosperous community, it starts by ensuring every child has the opportunity to become a competent and confident reader.”
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