Deputies seek douzaine support in re-shaping government

Monday 03 May 2021

Douzaines could be primed to work closer with government in the future, following "overwhelmingly positive" talks aimed at increasing the role played by community champions.

At a presentation to parish representatives, Deputy Heidi Soulsby, Vice- President of the Policy & Resources Committee and Chair of the Douzaine Liaison Group, explained the committee’s desire to explore opportunities to work more closely with the Douzaines in future.

Deputy Soulsby, who was joined by fellow Douzaine Liaison Group members Sue Aldwell, Aidan Matthews and Nick Moakes, said that tapping into those resources could support one of the four priorities of the Government Work Plan - re-shaping government.

“We need to think differently about how we deliver our services and the parishes are well-placed to help in that respect,” said Deputy Soulsby.

"I really think there is an opportunity for the talk to become reality"

“What we have done this evening is start a conversation about how we might go about involving them more in the future and changing the whole relationship with them. We haven’t been prescriptive about what that might look like because we want to hear their ideas first, which is why we are setting up the working group.” 

The presentation was well attended, with every parish sending several representatives. Mick Fooks, Chair of the Douzaine Council, said the presentation was “music to my ears”.

“We’re pleased that the new Policy & Resources Committee has recognised the skills and experience that exist across the parish Douzaines. The mood in the room was overwhelmingly positive tonight and I believe we have a great opportunity for the parishes to work more closely with government in the future, to the benefit of our community.” 

A new Assembly and the changing government landscape brought about by Covid-19, have, in his view, provided the platform for change.

Pictured: The Douzaine Liaison Group is led by P&R Vice-President Heidi Soulsby.  

"Islanders have looked more inwardly at what their island and in my view have appreciated what is on offer. Much of this has been provided in partnership between Government and the parishes.

"But often there is frustration and barriers which should not be there as we all strive to make our island a better place to live.

Collectively, the douzaines offer 150 islanders with a huge plethora of experience and love of their island who are already committed to giving something back.

"Many sceptics will comment - ’here we go again’ - but I really think there is an opportunity for the talk to become reality given the current impetus emerging from the Policy and Resources Committee," said Mr Fooks.