Andrea Dudley-Owen

Manifesto

Notable actions are:

1. Proven leadership in delivery of significant education reform following the previous States removal of 11+ in 2016.
2. Committee delivery of a successful 80th Liberation Day celebration.
3. Early Years Conferences, most recently keynote speaker Baroness Floella Benjamin.
4. Promoting Apprenticeship, recent celebration of 70th Anniversary.
5. Over 200 hours of chairing Education Governance board meetings.
6. Introducing Guernsey’s first Education Governance framework and Governing boards for States Schools.
7. Bringing stability to and significant cultural change in Education, uniting staff to work towards a common goal of excellence and continuous improvement.
8. Providing consistency of leadership through challenging times of change.
9. Interest in third sector organisations related to childcare and education for greater understanding.
10. Supported successful delivery of 2023 International Island Games XIX.

A successful Guernsey needs strong foundations to build from:

Safety / Education / Healthcare / Transport

My long term goals for Guernsey are:

• Excellent education for every generation, giving our children and grandchildren the highest necessary skills for long term prosperity.
• Resilient, diverse and stable economy, delivering full local employment.
• Affordable homes for islanders, accessible and built to meet the needs of first time buyers and those ready to downsize.
• Fair and sustainable tax system for lower and medium income earners which keeps us competitive.
• Government which has a handle on expenditure and encourages community responsibility.
• Safeguarding Guernsey’s unique culture and heritage.
• Support for increasing resurgence in Guernsey farming and local food production.

I have demonstrated my competence and capability as a representative for our island. I listen to and lead on what our community believes to be important.

My personal qualities:

• Vision - I have a clear view of where to go and how to get there.
• Integrity - I am honest, committed and want to be accountable for my decisions.
• Resilience - I recover quickly from setbacks, moving forward, adapting to the situation.
• Collaborative - I take a balanced approach and work with others.
• Empathy - I seek out and understand different opinions, which helps inform my views.
• Humility - I am aware of my weaknesses and strengths, always seeking to improve.

Over the term my roles have been varied, including:

• President of the Committee for Education, Sport & Culture
• Chair of 10 interim Governance Boards, including The Guernsey Institute
• Transforming Education Programme Board, political representative
• Guille Alles Management Board
• Member of 5 School Committees
• Member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Committee

Views on Key Issues

Building on strong foundations Guernsey can become resilient to external influences and create internal success. Education is that foundation.

Education & Skills:

Taking Guernsey’s education from objectively good to excellent requires leaders who are both aspirational and inspirational, along with sustained investment. I have worked tirelessly to enhance the quality of our States education and will carry on doing so if re-elected. Investing in our young people through education produces the greatest returns for our island, offering them the prospect of higher wages, greater self-reliance, and reduced healthcare and criminal justice costs.

I believe:

1. increased investment in Early Years and care ensures our youngest and most vulnerable children get excellent provision as firm foundations in their learning journey;
2. creating innovation via collaborative research hubs, supported by the Education governance boards will inspire creativity, meeting the unique needs of each individual, driving excellence whilst making best use of resources;
3. the Sixth Form and Sports Centre of Phase 2 at Les Ozouets must be delivered without further delay;
4. offering more opportunities for degree level courses for islanders will create much needed on-island Higher Education study opportunities.
5. staff pay, terms and conditions must be to reflect the value of their each role, retain and attract the highest calibre, including a return home package for islanders who have qualified away; 6. greater investment in our home grown skills needs to be a priority, to build resilience in healthcare, education and finance.

Health:

Health care is about treating the body and the mind and ensuring our social and physical well being.

I support:

1. sustained focus on public health education encouraging healthy lifestyles and promoting social prescribing and the value of physical activity;
2. better access to help and care for those suffering from addiction and mental health issues;
3. our health care workers and place great value on their role in the provision of a health care system that balances prevention and treatment with individual responsibility for good health.

The Economy:

Businesses of all sizes and sectors contribute to our economy. To achieve sustained economic growth, businesses need support to trade in a healthy environment with the right legal frameworks, the best knowledge and skills and up to date infrastructure.

I believe:

1. in continued focus on the diversification of the economy, e.g. higher education opportunities can also attract international students, renewed focus on agriculture and local food production and marine environment research,
2. in support for entrepreneurs and small businesses, creating a vibrant environment for all sizes of company with sustained growth and attractive employee environment;
3. in continuously seeking reduction of red tape and unnecessary bureaucracy;
4. in investment in island attractions and flexibility around tourism accommodation;  
5. Investing in and maintaining resilient Sea and Air links.

Fiscal & Tax:

Balancing a tax regime which is competitive for business, fair to the community but provides enough money to fund and replenish essential public services is challenging. No one wants to raise taxes, but our current financial situation needs to change. Without action we will not have the money we need to fund future services such as a care model for our older community members and capital projects such as land for housing.

I believe:

1. in a fair, resilient tax system, which can pay for the services we rely on and which will also rebuild our the Capital Reserve so that we can invest in Guernsey’s future infrastructure;
2. a cautious approach to debt is wise, ensuring that terms are transparent, with published spending plans and regular updates on payback and return on invested loan capital;
3. there should be no increases in income tax for lower/ medium income earners;
4. in reform for a fairer Social Security system;
5. in greater support and flexibility for families to help with young children.

Environment:

The States must take more decisive action to ensure that we reduce damage to our natural environment.

I believe:

1. energy infrastructure should support community; businesses and householder initiatives to invest in cleaner and more sustainable energy sources;
2. more action is needed to reduce plastics and other pollutants in our island;
3. in a continued focus on traffic management and enhanced public transport.

Housing:

The Housing crisis has not been treated as a crisis and it is critical that islanders can afford to live on Guernsey. I support:

1. the creation of the new dedicated Housing Committee to completely focus and sustain efforts to develop the right amount of mixed housing for the island;
2. the Guernsey Housing Association shared ownership scheme and the release of appropriate States owned land;
3. first time buyer’s entry to the housing market and review of TRP to provide protection for first time buyer new builds for lower/middle income earners seeking to purchase their first property.

PLEASE GIVE ME YOUR TRUST AND SUPPORT IN THE ELECTION.

VOTE ANDREA DUDLEY-OWEN JUNE 2025

Curriculum Vitae available to view: www.dudleyowen.gg

Contact: [email protected] or 07781166281