Taking Proposals to the Assembly

Every proposal is different, but the journey from idea to debate by the States of Deliberation typically involves the same steps.

An idea or proposal emerges from events, public opinion or a States' Member, and is developed to a point where a decision is made to discuss it formally by a Committee. 

Technical questions about the proposal and evaluation of the pros and cons are then researched and an initial report is prepared, most frequently by civil servants, and presented to the appropriate Committee for discussion, giving a balanced view of the question or topic.

The Committee will then discuss the report, recommend any changes and decide its preferred solution.

If necessary, the Committee will then take the recommendation(s) to the States' Assembly.

A formal policy letter would then be drafted by civil servants on behalf of the Committee, discussed and edited by the Committee before being submitted for inclusion in a Billet. The Billet is then published, and the topic or proposal is open to public and media discussion.

The States' Assembly will then debate the topic and makes a decision. 

Resolutions resulting from the debate are then acted on by the Civil Service, ensuring that Members of the Committee in question are kept appraised of progress.

States' Members and civil servants have very distinct and different responsibilities throughout this process.

Deputies are responsible for the instigation and approval of policy, and then for scrutiny of its implementation. Civil servants provide research, policy development and report drafting as policy is formed, and are then responsible for implementing policy operationally.

This simple distinction can be the cause of confusion and friction between States' Members and civil servants if the proper separation between their responsibilities is not observed. So, for example, when policy proposals' pros and cons are being identified and considered, civil servants must take great care to present them objectively and without political bias.

Similarly, when technical expertise is needed to ensure successful operational implementation of a policy, this should be handed to officers with the required experience and expertise without political involvement. Recognising those lines and distinctions makes for quicker, more effective and efficient working of Government for the benefit of the community.