Revised set of rules drawn up for Jersey politicians

Jersey's politicians could soon have a revised set of rules to stick to ensure they behave well.

A revised Code of Conduct will be debated in the States Assembly next month.

Members will be asked to agree changes to the rule book which have been proposed by the Privileges and Procedures Committee.

The Code of Conduct is a set of rules against which members' behaviours are judged by the Commissioner for Standards when a complaint is made.

During 2024, PPC asked members what changes they would like to see and looked at how other jurisdictions present their own Codes.

The revisions include clearer definitions of what constitutes unwanted behaviour, harassment, bullying or discrimination.

There is a specific requirement - Rule 2 - that 'members must act truthfully'.

There are new rules on how politicians use social media, and how they should act when they are involved in a complaint to the Commissioner.

"Members must not subject anyone to personal attack in any communication, whether verbal, written or by some form of digital medium (for example gifs or memes), in a manner that would be considered excessive or abusive by a reasonable and impartial person, having regard to the context in which the comments were made. "

The revisions also expand on when they need to declare an interest that might influence their opinion on a topic. 

"Members must not accept any financial inducement, gift, hospitality or other benefit as an incentive or reward for carrying out their functions as a Member of the Assembly, influencing proceedings in the Assembly, or which might otherwise appear to a reasonable and impartial person to influence, or potentially influence, their actions as a Member. Any gift, hospitality or service which is accepted must be registered in accordance with the rules on the registration of interests."

"Members must declare, whether in Assembly proceedings or elsewhere in their capacity as a public office holder, any relevant interest which might reasonably be thought to influence their approach to a matter under consideration, including membership of certain organisations, such as private societies and clubs that have specific terms and agreements, including membership by selection or invitation only."

"Members must be open and transparent with other Members and officials in disclosing any activities undertaken in relation to, or on behalf of, any individual or organisation with which a Member has a financial relationship."

(additions to the Code are in bold)

PPC Chair Karen Shenton Stone said: “These rules are fundamental to building trust and respect in our Assembly."

“We know from the Jersey Opinions and Lifestyle Survey Report published in 2024 that the States Assembly is the least trusted institution in the island.

"Having an acknowledged set of rules by which we all abide hopefully demonstrates to the public that States Members are accountable, not just at election time.”