Parliamentary Modernisation in Jersey: An Analysis of Progress and Potential
Parliamentary Modernisation in Jersey: An Analysis of Progress and Potential
About the States of Jersey Assembly | United Kingdom. Written on January, 2022
Introduction
This essay aims to analyse a presentation focusing on the theme of parliamentary modernisation in the States of Jersey Assembly. Jersey, an autonomous entity, though a dependency of the British crown, maintains a significant level of legislative autonomy from the United Kingdom. A key aspect of the analysis will be to evaluate the progress made over the last six years and identify the opportunities and challenges for future development.
The States of Jersey Assembly: Historical Overview
The States of Jersey Assembly has a long history, with its structure and operations grounded in traditional legislative processes. The Assembly, as of 2015, was predominantly paper-based with large quantities of parliamentary materials, such as motions and bills, being printed. The use of technology was minimal, and email, although used for communication, was often utilised to move around documents that were then printed. The Assembly's website was primarily a repository of information for expert users, relying heavily on text-based documents and PDF files.
Modernisation Efforts and Progress
Significant changes have occurred since 2015, reflecting a shift towards a more modern and technologically advanced Assembly. A key area of transformation was the introduction of a new website in 2018. The new website offers a more user-friendly interface, with content tailored to what users might want to find, as opposed to merely what the Assembly wishes to communicate. Furthermore, the website now facilitates the publication of news stories and even videos, adding a dynamic element to the Assembly's online presence.
The introduction of webcasting and an e-petition facility, similar to the one used in the UK, was another step towards modernisation. This, alongside an increased use of social media for communication and engagement, highlights a shift towards digital-first strategies. However, it's worth noting that the transition towards digital media has not been entirely smooth, with challenges in the adoption of new technologies among both Assembly members and staff.
Challenges and Constraints
Despite the significant progress, there are notable challenges and constraints in the path of modernisation. The primary challenges include limited resources and skills, particularly in digital transformation. Given the size of Jersey, the available resources for digital transformation are understandably limited. This includes both financial resources and skilled personnel.
Furthermore, the assembly faces a challenge in the form of finding suitable models to emulate. Although there are many innovative parliaments across the globe, finding suitable practices to adopt in the context of Jersey's unique legislative structure can be difficult.
Opportunities and Future Prospects
Despite the challenges, there are numerous opportunities for the States of Jersey Assembly. The assembly's current website, though four years old, offers a solid base for future enhancements. There is potential to increase the use of video and animation, thereby creating a more engaging platform for public interaction.
Data management is another area ripe for improvement. The assembly generates large quantities of data, yet harnessing this data effectively remains a challenge. The appointment of chief data officers and a dedicated digital and public engagement team could greatly enhance the use of this data, providing valuable services and information to the public and Assembly members.
There is also potential to develop a suite of parliamentary apps, providing mobile access to services and information. This would align the Assembly with the current trend of mobile-first digital strategies, making their services more accessible to the public.
Conclusion
The journey of modernisation for the States of Jersey Assembly is ongoing, with significant strides made over the past six years. The Assembly has successfully adopted new digital technologies and practices, improving the accessibility and efficiency of its operations. However, challenges and constraints, such as limited resources and skills, remain. Looking forward, the opportunities for further modernisation are plentiful, with the potential for greater utilisation of data and the development of mobile applications, among others.
In achieving these future goals, the Assembly may need to consider collaborations with larger parliaments or private sector entities to gain access to the necessary resources and skills. Also, the Assembly could consider establishing a platform for knowledge sharing with other parliaments to learn from their experiences and best practices. In summary, the States of Jersey Assembly's journey towards full modernisation is an ongoing process, full of challenges but also exciting opportunities.