Nikki Symons

Manifesto

“I believe that engagement, communication and collaboration are key for the effective leadership of our island. Our island community thrives when voices are heard, and concerns and ideas are acknowledged and considered. Effective communication will lead to enhanced governance, better decision making, and much greater transparency and accountability to improve trust and confidence in our government”. 

Why am I standing? 

I believe Guernsey deserves pragmatic, commercial, compassionate, and forward-thinking leadership. As someone who deeply values our island’s heritage, community spirit, and the quality of life and security that Guernsey provides, I am committed to ensuring that Guernsey remains a place with a vibrant economy where everyone, young and old, can thrive and feel valued within a caring community.

My Professional Experience

Over the past 10 years I have worked for Education, Sport & Culture as Head of Marketing & Events, within the States of Guernsey, and so understand the importance of clear messaging and public engagement in shaping effective policy and fostering trust. 

My involvement within the community through organising and delivering Liberation Day gave me the privilege of leading one of Guernsey’s most significant events, a day that honours the past while bringing people together. Working closely with voluntary organisations, Deputies, public sector workers, charities and parish communities has deepened my appreciation for what makes our island unique, its people, its cultural pride, and its shared values. 

This experience strengthened my belief in the power of collaboration, clear communication and community engagement. It has been an honour to meet, listen and learn from so many different people and it has given me the advantage as a new candidate of already having a deep understanding of the workings of the States Committee systems, and how important it is to foster good working collaborative relationships and clear two-way communication to help shape effective policy, strategy and decisions.

Endorsements

Proposer: Deputy Bob Murray “I have known Nikki professionally in several capacities for over 30 years, industrious, inventive, Nikki has always over delivered in all her professional roles and consequently is an excellent candidate for the challenging role of People’s Deputy”

Seconder: Deputy Sue Aldwell “Nikki is articulate, hardworking, kind, she works with everyone, diplomatic, but wise! She listens, she learns, she solves problems, she sees the big picture, she pulls the threads together, brings people together and makes it happen! Nikki is a dignified professional.”

About Me

I live in St Martins with my husband and two teenage children, and I am very grateful for their support.   I have a BA honours Degree in English and Art and my professional background is in Communication, Marketing and Event Management. I also have experience working for Guernsey Telecoms, Sky Television and Capita. I love to travel, spend time with my family and have a keen interest in holistic and preventative medicine.

My Key Priorities 

Our community and island economy face serious challenges such as: The lack of affordable housing; the strain on our healthcare system; the cost of living, and the need for our economy to grow and remain competitive.  

Whilst I cannot hope to solve all the issues we face, I will always look for collaborative opportunities, and seek to champion practical solutions to relieve the housing crisis, support economic drivers for the diversification of our tax base, increase partnerships with voluntary and third section organisations, and advocate for a fair and pragmatic approach to tax and spending that not only protects our most vulnerable but which also helps achieve and maintain an appropriate standard of living and service provision for all.  

Homes Our Community Can Afford

“Housing is one of the biggest concerns facing Guernsey residents. I will fight for a housing system that is affordable, fair and stable for families, young and old people and essential key workers”.

• I will advocate to accelerate development and investment of affordable housing complexes, prioritising housing needs through States led and funded projects in collaboration with the private sector and/or the Guernsey Housing Association.
• I will support policies that will alleviate housing demand pressures, including a review of multiple property ownership, incentives for downsizing, conversion of vacant properties, and a focus on the development of modern and affordable apartment complexes.
• I support the regulation of sustainable building methods and standards that lower long-term living costs and ensure satisfactory building standards that reduces the cost of maintenance.
• I support the reform and resourcing of the planning systems so that they can be faster, more flexible and responsive to community needs and concerns.

Retirement Age 

I strongly believe that the current increases in Normal Pensionable Age should stop at 68 rather than proceed to 70. Working until 70 can often be impractical and unworkable and may lead to poverty in old age, an over-reliance on benefit payments, an increase in age related discrimination claims (once ‘age’ becomes a protected characteristic) and a corresponding burden on the healthcare services.  

Smarter Government, Stronger Leadership

“Having worked within the States, I will use my experience to encourage structural reforms to make government services more efficient, joined up, and end-user focused.” 

• I believe that prioritisation is urgently required so that there is a clear strategic and focussed direction on key issues for the next political term. 
• I will support a stronger and better resourced Policy & Resources Committee that has the mandate to provide strategic leadership and oversight to lead across Government priorities.         A stronger Executive is not about centralising power, it’s about working collaboratively with the mandated Committees to provide focus and assistance to achieve quicker, more informed and effective decision making.
• I believe there should be greater transparency in Government through published plain English strategic plans, legislative timetables and regular reporting to the public and community groups.
• I believe the States can and should take a more holistic and joined up approach of how we can develop policy and support our community throughout their lifetimes.

The States of Guernsey – As an Employer

“I recognise the excellent work of many States employees who deliver island services despite limited staffing and budget restrictions.” 

• I support better staff training, performance management strategies and culture changes to enhance the working environment.
• I also strongly support the new Head of Public Service in the re-introduction of the posts of Chief Officers for the larger Committees.  Their reintroduction will vastly improve the accountability and performance of the States of Guernsey, with improved specialist knowledge and better information flow to the Committees.

A Resilient Economy that Works for Everyone

• I support policies that enhance the commercial and competitive environment for existing business, and which will encourage future private investment and diversify the tax base. I recognise that Government capital and social spend require a healthy and vibrant underlying economy to support essential spend.  
• I will advocate for a balanced and responsible approach to taxation that maintains Guernsey’s competitiveness while securing essential public services.
• I support new business start-up incentives and support local enterprise investment schemes to keep Guernsey competitive and future-ready particularly in the creative, environmental, and digital sectors to support innovation.  I am also a supportive of green energy initiatives such as the proposed wind farm, based on a full feasibility study, environmental assessment, and long-term cost benefit analysis which may in turn reduce future tax burdens.
• I would reluctantly support the potential introduction of GST but believe there must be more work to understand exactly how it plays a role within a properly diversified tax base.  Even so there must be targeted exemptions for a wide range of goods and services to alleviate the detrimental impact on the vulnerable, young, families and the charitable sector.  
• I will advocate for a fully developed future facing tourism strategy that balances growth with sustainability and quality. Our Bailiwick has much to offer, and we must take this opportunity. 

Skills, Education, and Opportunity

“A strong education system is the foundation of a successful island”

• I support the completion of the post 16 education campus at Les Ozouets and recognise that any further delay or increased costs must be avoided for the sake of the students, staff and island.  
• I support strengthened school governance to enhance accountability and strategic direction
• I support enhanced resource provision for students with special needs and disabilities (SEND).
• I advocate for stronger links between education, employers, and training providers to address any skills gaps for the Island.

Healthcare that Puts People First

Whilst Guernsey’s health system is under increasing financial and resource pressures, it does provide, in many areas, excellent access to care and quality outcomes for our community.  I believe that one of the key focusses for the next political term must be on developing robust and collaborative partnerships with the voluntary sector to support preventative health education, mental health initiatives and wellbeing campaigns that will ultimately reduce and alleviate the demands on the healthcare service. 

• I support the completion and proper funding of the Hospital Modernisation Programme. I also believe that targeted funding should be provided to fill urgent gaps in service delivery. 
• I support enhanced preventative strategies, investment in staff retention and development of more partnerships with local, UK and international health providers.   
• I believe that a more holistic joined up approach should be adopted so that, where appropriate, healthcare, wellbeing and service provision is integrated across Committees. 
• I support the development of “care navigators” trusted guides for patients with complex or long-term conditions, reducing stress and improving service coordination.
• I would support the enhanced provision for health and wellbeing in schools and the workplace parish-level programs in partnership with local charities and volunteer organisations.

Charities and Voluntary Organisations

Having worked for a charity, I understand the huge social and economic benefits and expertise that charities and voluntary organisations make and believe this should be recognised and form an integral part of any relevant decision-making process in the States.  I support a more structured and formal relationship with the voluntary sector as they have an important role in Guernsey’s society which will help to deliver community services efficiently and cost effectively and improve the standard of living for many.

My commitment to you

Guernsey needs Deputies who know how to listen, who understand the machinery of government, care deeply about our island’s future and are prepared to work collaboratively and pragmatically. I will be that voice for clearer communication, for inclusive progress, and for practical action and will do my utmost to act in the best interests of Guernsey and all its people.

Your vote will make a big difference, please vote for Nikki Symons - Your Voice in the States