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Information and public services for the Island of Jersey

L'înformâtion et les sèrvices publyis pouor I'Île dé Jèrri

Draft Heritage Law

DepartmentDepartment for the Economy
Start date28/07/2025
End date08/09/2025
Type of consultationWhite paper
Deadline for comments08/09/2025

About the consultation

​​This consultation seeks your views on th​e draft Heritage (Jersey) Law 202- (the ‘Draft Law’). 

The need for heritage legislation in Jersey, to protect archaeological objects and associated information, has been recognised since the late 1990s, in response to the adoption of the 1996 Treasure Act and Portable Antiquities Scheme in England and Wales. In addition to other jurisdictions adopting comprehensive legislation, Jersey has commitments as a signatory to several treaties and conventions.  

Jersey’s existing approach relies heavily on customary law and unwritten conventions, which do not provide sufficient clarity or protection. In recent years, with the finding of the Le Catillon II Hoard and a lack of a legal framework on how to manage the find, there has been a desire to bring forward comprehensive legislation.

The Draft Law aims to: 

  • Ensure that Jersey complies with international standards and conventions 
  • Ensure robust legislation for the protection and management of finds of national, archaeological, and historical significance to Jersey, is in place.

Consultation Paper: Draft Heritage (Jersey) Law

D​raft Heritage (Jersey) Law 202-

Draft Heritage (Jersey) Law 202- Code of Practice

Draft Heritage (Valuation of Reward) (Jersey) Regulations 202-

Draft Heritage (Licensing of Archaeological Excavations) (Jersey) Regulations 202-​​

​​About the Draft Law 

Key provisions of the Draft Law include: 

  • Mandatory reporting: All archaeological objects discovered – whether by chance or through activities such as metal detecting – must be reported to the Finds Liaison Officer at Jersey Heritage within 14 days.

  • Historic Environment Record (HER): All significant reported finds will be recorded in a statutory HER, maintained by Jersey Heritage. 

  • Inquest process: The Viscount will conduct inquests for the most significant finds to determine whether they qualify as Treasure Trove or Jersey National Antiquities. 

  • Ownership: Treasure Trove will be held in trust for the Crown by the Minister. Jersey National Antiquities will become the property of the Public of the Island. 

  • Preservation: The Minister will ensure that both Treasure Trove and Jersey National Antiquities are preserved and made accessible to the public by depositing them with Jersey Heritage. 

  • Reward system: A fair reward system will recognise the contributions of both the finder and the landowner. Rewards will be based on expert advice and linked to the market value of the object. 

  • Expert advice: The Minister must consult qualified experts in archaeology, history, and numismatics to determine appropriate rewards.

  • Licensing of archaeological work: Intrusive archaeological investigations on non-designated sites will require a license.​

How to submit comments to the consultation

​You can respond to the consultation questions by:​

​​Completing the Heritage Law Consultation survey

Or

  • by email: economy@gov.je with the subject heading “Heritage Consultation”.

  • by post (FOA Heritage Consultation)
    ​Department for the Economy, Government of Jersey
    Union Street
    St Helier
    Jersey
    JE2 3DN

The deadline for submissions is noon on Monday 8 September 2025. Responses to the consultation will inform the Draft Law, which is due to be lodged for consideration by the States Assembly in late 2025.

​Data protection 

The information you provide will be processed in compliance with the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2018.  

Find more information in the Department for the Economy privacy notice. 

The Government of Jersey may quote or publish responses to this consultation but will not publish the name and addresses of individuals without consent.  

Types of publishing may include: 

  • sending to other interested parties on request 
  • sending to the Scrutiny Office 
  • quoting in a published report 
  • reporting in the media 
  • publishing on the Government website 
  • listing on a consultation summary 

Confidential responses will still be included in any summary of statistical information received and views expressed. 

Under the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011, information submitted to this consultation may be released if a Freedom of Information request requires it, but no personal data may be released.

Child Rights Impact Assessment 

The decision to publish the consultation does not have a direct effect on children and young people. 

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