What does a Deputy do?

The primary duty of a Deputy is to act in the best interests of the people of Guernsey. They do this in several ways.

States meetings

Deputies attend States’ meetings which are held approximately every four weeks, except during summer recess, in the Royal Court Chamber. Meetings usually last for two or three days depending on how much there is to discuss.

Before each meeting, the Deputies read the Billet d’État which sets out the topics to be discussed. This can include:

• New laws
• Choosing Deputies to sit on a certain Committee
• Taxes
• Policy changes suggested by
  Committees
  
• Spending large sums of money on major
  projects such as hospital extensions

Member of States’ Committees’

Deputies make up the various States’ Committees in order to carry out the will of the States and to report back to them on how their Committee is doing.

Each Committee is made up of five Deputies, headed up by the President.

The Deputies are responsible for looking after the budget given to their Committee and making sure it is spent well.

Constituency work 

From time to time, islanders will ask a Deputy for assistance. This might be because they need help or advice in their dealings with one of the States’ Committees. If necessary the Deputy will take on their case and speak to the Committee on their behalf.

Representing Guernsey around the world

From time to time, the President of the Policy & Resources Committee, who holds the most senior political office in Guernsey, or another member of the Policy & Resources Committee with specific responsibility for external relations, or sometimes other Deputies in other capacities, will represent the Island at meetings e.g. meetings of the Commonwealth or the British-Irish Council.