Website for States members complaints launched

The website allows islanders in Jersey and Guernsey to make a complaint about States members

A website to help people in the Channel Islands make a formal complaint about the conduct of States members has been launched.

The Pan-Island Commissioner for Standards is responsible for considering complaints about politicians in both Jersey and Guernsey.

It said its new website provided a "user-friendly guide to the complaints process" and "easy access" to the outcome of previous complaints.

The Commissioner, Dr Melissa McCullough, was appointed by the States Assembly in Jersey and the States of Guernsey to act as an impartial investigator independent of both islands.

Findings will be presented to the Privileges and Procedures Committee in Jersey and the Commissioner's findings will be binding in Guernsey - unless referred to the Appeals Commissioner.

The Commissioner was appointed by the States Assembly in Jersey and the States of Guernsey

Ms McCullough said the role aimed to "encourage and promote the highest standards and ethics in public life" and that the new website would help islanders with the complaints process.

She said: "I hope this platform will serve as a valuable tool for islanders seeking information on the complaints process, filing their own complaints or reaching out to me with any enquiries.

"I believe that this user-friendly and accessible website will empower members of the public, giving them the independence and confidence to voice their concerns."

The commission said the commissioner could review complaints from third parties and could launch her own investigations if she suspected a breach of the Codes of Conduct.

Members, ministers or assistant ministers are also able to request investigations into their own conduct.