ASSISTANT Chief Minister Lucy Stephenson has hinted that a review of the relationship between Jersey Sport and the government could soon take place, as she seeks to ‘improve’ working patterns that affect the sports community.
Deputy Stephenson, the Island’s political lead for sport, says she will move into ‘delivery-focused mode’ in the coming weeks, after spending the first six months of her tenure meeting numerous club officials and supporters to understand their needs.
Jersey Sport receives £2.1m of government funding per year to help implement projects that benefit the physical and mental wellbeing of Islanders, including school PE and swimming lessons, community cycling schemes and GP referrals. The arms-length body also distributes grants to clubs and associations.
‘Very quickly, I would like to have a couple of review processes under way,’ Stephenson explained. ‘One looks at Jersey Sport and how it’s functioning and working with the government – and how the government works with Jersey Sport. It has been five years since Jersey Sport was set up so I think this is a timely opportunity to look at what is going on.’
Last week Jersey Sport chief executive Catriona McAllister said she was pleased that ‘misconceptions’ about the role of her organisation had been addressed in recent months, although the deputy’s view has been clear.
‘In my mind the government should set policy and Jersey Sport should deliver it,’ she said.
Stephenson’s efforts will be aided by the employment of a new sports policy officer next month – in the shape of Commonwealth Games shooter and sports law graduate Nikki Holmes.
‘In the immediate term I’m really excited that we’ve got a new officer starting, which means I’ll have a dedicated individual who can work with me on policies,’ she added. ‘It has previously been done as part of wider remits, so to have a single person whose sole focus is on sport is really exciting.
‘Another review piece of work I would like to do is about how the government sets and works on sports policy. It has become quite clear to me over the last six months that we could be improving the way we’re working.
‘There are lots of exciting opportunities and interesting-sounding projects we could be doing but I’m not comfortable pitching for more money until we’ve got the basics right and I know that we have the systems to enable them to happen effectively – and for us to asses that we’re delivering them well. At the moment I’m not confident that the structures are in place to a standard I’m happy with.
‘I want to get on with exciting community-development work and we will do that, but we have got to get the basics right.’
Full interview in Saturday’s JEP.
