Government of Jersey

Information about the publication of Ministerial Decisions

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

Ministers are elected by the States Assembly and have legal responsibilities and powers as “corporation sole” under the States of Jersey Law 2005 by virtue of their office and in their areas of responsibility, including entering into agreements, and under any legislation conferring on them powers.

An accurate record of “Ministerial Decisions” is vital to effective governance, including:

demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision
providing a record of decisions and actions that will be available for examination by States Members, and Panels and Committees of the States Assembly; the public, organisations, and the media; and as a historical record and point of reference for the conduct of public affairs

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The Freedom of Information Law (Jersey) Law 2011 is used as a guide when determining what information is be published. While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

A decision made (12/12/2007) regarding: Civil Partnerships - Green Paper.

Decision Reference: MD-C-2007-0068
Decision Summary Title :	Civil Partnerships – Green Paper		Date of Decision Summary:	11th December 2007
Decision Summary Author:	Julian Morris Policy and Research Manager		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	n/a
Written Report Title :	Green Paper on Civil Partnerships		Date of Written Report:	November 2007
Written Report Author:	Legislation Advisory Panel		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Subject: Civil Partnerships – Green Paper
Decision(s): The Chief Minister agreed, on the recommendation of the Legislation Advisory Panel, to ask the Greffier to present to the States the Green Paper on Civil Partnerships as soon as is practicable and to invite comments from States Members by a deadline of 31st March 2008.
Reason(s) for Decision: The Legislation Advisory Panel, at its meeting held on 3rd December 2007, considered a draft ‘green paper’ on the subject of Civil Partnerships, which report was based on the memorandum dated 27th November 2006 from H.M. Attorney General. The Advisory Panel noted that, following an introduction to the subject, the report outlined the present state of the law in Jersey and the legal position in the United Kingdom, as well as providing information regarding the Law Commission on Cohabitation; European and international recognition of civil union or marriage between homosexuals; the respective positions in Denmark, The Netherlands, France and New Zealand; the Human Rights Law 2000 and possible actions to be taken. Having noted that details on a number of aspects of the report required to be updated, the Advisory Panel approved the draft report - subject to the inclusion of revised information - and agreed to recommend to the Chief Minister that the report be presented to the States in due course.
Resource Implications: There are no financial or manpower implications.
Action required: For the Greffier to present the Green Paper on Civil Partnerships to the States as soon as is practicable and to invite comments from States Members by a deadline of 31st March 2008.
Signature:		Position: Chief Minister
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):