Wednesday 16 July 2014
The Policy Council's Social Policy Group announces that it has asked Jane Stephens to jointly chair the Steering Group that will have the day-to-day responsibility for ensuring the Disability and Inclusion Strategy is implemented. Mrs Stephens was the first States' Champion for Disabled People and she and the new Champion, when elected, will work together as joint Chairs of the Steering Group.
Jane commented:
"Having served as the first Disability Champion I am well acquainted with the issues and delighted to be asked to become involved again in an area that I care about deeply. I look forward to working with the Disability Champion to bring together the right people so that we can really make progress with the Disability and Inclusion Strategy, and address the issues giving the most frustration and causing the most problems for local disabled islanders and carers."
Shelaine Green, Chair of the Guernsey Disability Alliance, commented:
"The unanimous States vote in favour of the Strategy last November was an historic moment for Guernsey. However, a Strategy is just a piece of paper until it is actually implemented and disabled people start to see real change. The appointment of Stephen Langford to his new policy role in April was the first big step forward and the creation of the Steering Group is the second.
"We are particularly pleased to welcome back our first Champion as a joint chair of the group. We know from direct experience that Jane focuses on the key issues and finds pragmatic and innovative ways to get things done. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and understanding from her career."
Chair of the Social Policy Group, Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, the Chief Minister added:
"The Disability and Inclusion Strategy Steering Group has important work to do to turn the Strategy into meaningful change for disabled islanders and their families. There is a great deal to do, but strong leadership is key to successfully progressing the aims of the Strategy as unanimously agreed by the States in 2013."
Stephen Langford, Head of Government Strategy and Business for the Policy Council, concluded:
"The next step is to appoint the remainder of the Steering Group, a task that the joint chairs of the group will be undertaking in consultation with the Social Policy Group. For my part, I will doing my best to see that the Steering Group is effectively supported to do its job and making sure that everyone responsible for the various work streams is clear about their responsibilities so that we can bring about the necessary changes in attitudes, legislation, policy and practice.
"To use the GDA's metaphor: the mountain remains a high one to climb, but we are gearing up to leave base camp well-equipped."
ENDS
