STATES OF JERSEY

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Code of Practice for Scrutiny Panels and the Public Accounts Committee (P.101/2006): amendment

Lodged au Greffe on 6th September 2006
by the Chairmen’s Committee

STATES GREFFE

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR SCRUTINY PANELS AND THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE (P.101/2006): AMENDMENT

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After the words “dated 15th August 2006” insert the words –

“except that in Section 4.19 of the Code of Practice, for the words ‘may declare an interest’ substitute the words ‘must declare an interest’.”.

CHAIRMEN’S COMMITTEE

REPORT

Section 4.19 of the draft Code currently reads as follows –

4.19 A member of the Panel may declare an interest and withdraw from part or all of a review being conducted by the Panel if he/she considers that this interest would prejudice, or appear to prejudice, his or her ability to participate in the Panel proceedings in an impartial manner.

Since lodging P.101/2006, the Committee has reconsidered the wording of this section, following an approach from Senator M.E. Vibert, and the Committee recognises that the use of the words “may declare an interest” was an oversight, as any member of a Panel who has an interest that he or she considers would prejudice, or appear to prejudice, his or her ability to participate in an impartial manner should clearly take no part in the relevant part of the review. This amendment will change the words “may declare” to “must declare” and will therefore make it a requirement for any member who considers that he or she has any prejudicial interest to declare that interest and take no part.

There are no financial or manpower implications for the States arising from this amendment.