Wednesday 27 March 2019
The three members of the new social investment commission have been confirmed by the Policy & Resources Committee in its update to the States Assembly.
Jurat Stephen Jones OBE, the Very Reverend Tim Barker and Susie Crowder have been appointed as members to the shadow board of the commission in order to assist in establishing it.
Their appointment follows a competitive application process which had a dozen expressions of interest and applications, and they were selected from an interviewed short list of six by an interview panel.
The commission was agreed by the States as part of the Budget in autumn 2018, and it will invest in the charitable and third sector. It will work in partnership with charities, helping them apply for funds, and encouraging public services to work with them more closely through commissioning and partnering models. Funding will be drawn from areas such as lottery proceeds, dormant bank accounts and escheated assets.
Deputy Jane Stephens, one of the members of the appointments panel for the Policy & Resources Committee said:
"The Committee is absolutely delighted with the calibre of the three appointments we have been able to make. The role of the social investment commission will be important in determining outcomes, and will be a bridge between government and charities. The expertise of the three board members will help ensure that bridge is put in place, and all three bring considerable expertise of working in and with the charitable sector."
Jurat Stephen Jones OBE will chair the board. He commented:
"I am delighted to be part of this exciting initiative by government. I am very aware of the positive anticipation there is amongst many charities for this project and I also know that several leading figures within the third sector have already contributed helpfully at the planning stages. Structured funding of charities is so important to ensure that the vital services to the community are delivered professionally and are sustainable. I am certain that the social investment commission will become a major contributor to the continuing success of the third sector in Guernsey."
The Dean of Guernsey, the Very Reverend Tim Barker, commented:
"The social investment commission has the potential for increasing the capacity of Guernsey's vibrant voluntary sector to assist the people of this island. A confident and well-resourced voluntary sector, which includes the faith communities, will contribute to building healthy communities, to social justice and lifelong learning, and to helping to ensure that Guernsey is a safe and secure place where all can flourish. I am delighted to have been invited to part of it."
Susie Crowder has recently established the Bright Futures charity in Guernsey to support educational and skills outcomes. She commented:
"I am passionate about supporting the growth of the third sector as a vital component of the future of our island. I am delighted to have the opportunity to further that work as a member of the social investment commission."
The social investment commission will be formally established later in 2019 after a policy letter has been considered by the States Assembly. In the meantime the shadow board will work to establish clear terms of reference and a funding application process, and put in place the required governance for the commission's work.
