The work of elected members is divided into a number of areas:
Constituency Work
All members work directly with members of their electoral district to help them resolve any problems. This work is varied and involves participation in Parish meetings, Roads Committees and other parish business.
Their work can involve helping constituents directly such as making sure that they get the correct social security benefits, or resolving a planning dispute. Members receive many phone calls and emails from constituents on a daily basis.
States Meetings
The States Assembly meets every three weeks, with breaks at Christmas, Easter and during the summer.
Members need to read and research the main issues to be debated so that they can participate in the discussions and bring amendments if their constituents would be disadvantaged by any proposals, or where their constituents have expressed strong views.
States meetings typically start at 9.30am and usually finish around 5.30pm, but can last for as long as it takes to finish the debates on public business. Meetings usually last about two days, but can take up to four days. You can watch meetings live online or catch-up by watching recordings of the meetings on the States Assembly website.
Ministers, Committees and Scrutiny Panels
Many members are appointed to specific roles, which include:
- Minister
- Assistant Minister
- Chairman/member of the Public Accounts Committee
- Planning Applications Panel
- Scrutiny Panel
- Privileges and Procedures Committee
These roles involve participation in meetings, making decisions on policy, scrutinising policy and improving procedures.
States Members’ telephone numbers are found in the front of the telephone directory, and full contact details are listed on the States Assembly website. The public can contact any of the States Members for help.
