The States Assembly Podcast States Greffe - Jersey, Channel Islands

People who live in Jersey have the power to start a petition to call on the States Assembly - Jersey's elected parliament - for action or change.

What exactly is a petition? What power do they have? Do they really work to make change and improvement? How can you go about starting a petition, and what is the secret to success?

If you want to start an e-petition, click here: Start a petition - Petitions (gov.je), or for more information on how e-petitions work: How petitions work (gov.je)

If you think a hard copy petition is the best option for your cause, find out more about what you need to do here: Presenting a petition to the States (gov.je)

Interviewee: Will Millow
Episode host: Emily Thomas

Music: Pumpupthemind
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Jersey's States Members are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct for Elected Members and it's the job of the Commissioner for Standards to determine whether or not they have, when faced with a complaint.

Dr Melissa McCullough is the Pan-Island Commissioner for Standards. As Commissioner, she deals with complaints (and potential complaints) from States Members and Islanders.

In this interview Dr McCullough describes the background and experience that led to her appointment as Pan-Island Commissioner. She also talks about the importance of the Code of Conduct for Elected Members and the Seven Principles of Public Life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, leadership).

Dr McCullough explains who can complain, how to make a complaint and what happens once a complaint is in motion.

Episode host: Emily Thomas
Special guest: Dr Melissa McCullough, Pan-Island Commissioner for Standards

Music: Pumpupthemind

Find out more about the Commissioner for Standards here.
Read about the complaints process here.

Contact the Commissioner:
Commissioner for Standards,
c/o States Greffe,
Morier House,
Halkett Place,
St. Helier,
Jersey
JE1 1DD

or by e-mail: Commissioner@pi-cfs.org
Get in touch with us if you have some feedback about the show, or if you want to suggest a topic for a future episode.

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Did you know that Jersey's politicians are allowed to speak any of 3 languages in States meetings? That means you could hear English, French or Jèrriais during the course of a meeting.

These days most of the States Assembly's business is conducted in English, but this wasn't always the case. The original language of Jersey's parliament was French, and it wasn't so long ago that it became possible for English to be used. Perhaps unexpectedly, the 'newest' language allowed in the Chamber is Jèrriais.

There are several times in States meetings where French is still traditionally used, for example during prayers and roll call. We talk about the history behind the evolution of the languages of Jersey politics, the practicalities of when Members choose to speak in French or Jèrriais, and we take a quick dip into the moments where the rules are broken and things veer into unparliamentary language!

Interviewee: Will Millow
Episode host: Emily Thomas

Music: Pumpupthemind
Get in touch with us if you have some feedback about the show, or if you want to suggest a topic for a future episode.

If you liked what you heard, please give us a star rating, add your review and subscribe!

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Jersey's States Assembly was meeting and debating long before the States Chamber was built. Queen Victoria had been on the throne for 50 years when the 'new' building was first opened and used for a States Meeting in 1887.

In this episode the States Greffe's Dominic Butler shares some historical stories and background to the building and its design.  Who designed it? How has it changed over the years? And what's it like to actually be in the Chamber?

Some of this episode is recorded on location in the States Chamber, where we talk about the experience of sitting in the Public Gallery; take a look at the view from the Bailiff's chair; and test the microphones and voting buttons as used by States Members during meetings.

Interviewee: Dominic Butler
Episode host: Emily Thomas

Book tickets for a Blue Badge Guided tour:  Royal Court and States Chamber Tour Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

Check the date of the next States Meeting and come to see the action in person from the States Chamber Public Gallery: States Assembly (gov.je)

Read more about the history of the States Chamber and the States Assembly: History and information about the States Assembly (gov.je) 
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Jersey's States Assembly has 49 elected members who can be appointed to different roles. How this happens is guided by the rules of the States Assembly - the 'Standing Orders'.

After a general election deciding appointments is the first job of the newly-elected Assembly. The very first appointment made is for Chief Minister.  Members can become government Ministers (part of the 'executive') or be made chair or member of a panel or committee (also called 'non-executive'). The Assembly votes on who gets which role.

During the four year term between elections, there can be 'casual' vacancies. These are often due to resignations, or may be as a result of a vote of no confidence. We discuss this and more with the Greffier and Deputy Greffier of the States.

Find out more about the process here: Procedural Explanations (gov.je) 

Episode host: Emily Thomas
Interviewees: Lisa Hart & Will Millow

Music by Pumpupthemind
Get in touch with us if you have some feedback about the show, or if you want to suggest a topic for a future episode.

If you liked what you heard, please give us a star rating, add your review and subscribe!

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When the States Assembly has to debate a vote of no confidence it's a big deal. It is normal for a vote of no confidence - or 'VONC' - to hit the news headlines and get people talking. Sometimes this can create a bit of confusion. What is a VONC? Who can VONC whom? And how does the whole thing actually work?

The Greffier and Deputy Greffier of the States answer these questions and more in this episode. They give a politically impartial breakdown of several VONC scenarios and bust some myths about what can and cannot be done with a VONC.

Read more about VONCs here:  Procedural Explanations (gov.je) 

Episode host: Emily Thomas
Interviewees: Lisa Hart & Will Millow

Music by Pumpupthemind


Get in touch with us if you have some feedback about the show, or if you want to suggest a topic for a future episode.

If you liked what you heard, please give us a star rating, add your review and subscribe!

statesassembly.je