Insights from our President, Adam Budworth, May 2024
It seems difficult to believe that Spring is almost behind us, despite the relative lack of sunshine over the past couple of months.
The main areas of continuing scrutiny in our community appear to be those surrounding planning and housing, cyber security data and also challenges in attracting and retaining staff in our government and other local institutions.
It has been suggested that ‘more planning applications are resulting in failure than ever before, with the indication that Planning Committee politicians are likely to ignore advice. Jim McKinnon CBE indicated in a recent report that as many as one in four applications result in failure. The report mentioned the overturned decision in relation to the proposed Les Sablons development. The report focused on potential lack of morale and poor culture in the relevant government departments and suggested this could be a contributing factor to ongoing issues.
Elsewhere in government, ‘differences in working styles’ have been attributed to the ‘mutually agreed’ shock departure of the Health Board Chair, Tom Hayhoe. Former Chief Minister Kristina Moore has called for ‘serious questions’ to be posed around the departure amidst concern as to what the recruitment of a replacement for Mr Hayhoe will cost Islanders. It has also been indicated that interim CEO of Government Dr McLaughlin may remain in post for longer than anticipated to try and provide some continuity, particularly in light of the recent vote of no confidence and resulting changes in key states members.
Attention has been drawn to arguably one of the main Jersey tourist attractions, with senior executives leaving Durrell over recent weeks and months amidst rumours of a ‘toxic culture’. A campaign group named ‘We love the Zoo’ have been expressing ongoing concerns about the governance of Durell’s Trustees. Pressure is now on for Durell to conduct an Extraordinary General Meeting to address the issues raised by the campaign group.
Chamber’s focus has always been on collaboration and it would appear that more collaboration is required in order to amend a ‘faltering relationship with the UK’ since Brexit. There are calls for Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man to have designated officials to ensure better outcomes during UK international trade negotiations. These suggestions have been put forward by Sir Bob Neill, the Chair of the Justice Committee who believes that early and comprehensive engagement should take place from the outset of any negotiations.
Chamber continue to look forward with positive anticipation at what we can achieve if we work co-operatively and ensure that we create healthy and inclusive cultures across all industry representatives.
Our membership continues to increase, as organisations of all sizes recognise the many benefits of joining Jersey’s largest independent business organisation and contributing towards building and maintaining a prosperous community on our beautiful Island.
