Public invited to engage in IoD health and education debate

Thursday 10 September 2015

Local business leaders have indicated overwhelmingly that Jersey should be more international in its outlook when it comes to both education and health, according to the results of a ‘snapshot survey’ of IoD members ahead of its annual Jersey Debate later this month.

The survey of the IoD’s 650-strong membership last month revealed that 82% of local business leaders believe that Jersey should look beyond the UK to other jurisdictions to influence its education system, whilst 63% of respondents thought that Jersey’s current education system doesn’t provide students with the skills and knowledge required by local businesses.

Meanwhile, 91% of respondents said they thought Jersey should look to partner more with its neighbours, including Guernsey and France as well as the UK, for healthcare provision. When asked whether Jersey should move towards a broader ‘user pays’ healthcare system though, the picture was not so clear, with 59% of respondents saying they thought this should be the case.

The IoD is now also inviting the public to voice its opinions ahead of the Debate on Thursday 17^th September, this year entitled ‘Health and Education: time for a big re-think?’, sponsored by law firm Carey Olsen and moderated by news broadcaster Alastair Stewart OBE.

Anyone can get involved by sending thoughts and questions for panellists at the event by text to 07829 999981 or email ioddebate@airtel-vodafone.com. In addition, people can join the discussion through the IoD’s LinkedIn Group and via Twitter by following @iodjersey and using #iodjsydebate. Both the dedicated text and email facilities have been provided by Airtel-Vodafone, who are also providing 4G broadband and sponsoring this year’s ‘Student Table’ at the event.

This year the Debate is split into two sections in order to discuss education and health in equal measure. The ‘Health Panel’ includes Senator Andrew Green, Minister for Health and Social Services, Julie Garbutt, CEO of Jersey’s Health Department, Dr Andrew Vallance-Owen, Chairman of the Private Healthcare Information Network and former Group Medical Director for Bupa, Paul White, senior adviser to McKinsey on healthcare leadership and management, and Chris Crockford, CEO of cutting-edge medical device manufacturer Cardiocity Ltd. Sitting on the ‘Education Panel’ will be Deputy Rod Bryans, Minister of Education, Justin Donovan, Jersey’s Director of Education, Amanda Spielman, Chair of Ofqual, Ann Haydon, Principal of Surbiton High School, and Bob Cook, Education Consultant and former Headmaster of Victoria College.

IoD Jersey Chairman Wendy Dorman, said: "Looking overseas when it comes to informing our health and education systems would appear to be a key theme for our members locally, whilst it is also interesting that they feel Jersey’s education system is not equipping students with the skills needed by local businesses. Whilst these are snapshot findings, they are nevertheless issues that will undoubtedly form part of our discussions at our Debate.”

Alex Ohlsson, Managing Partner of sponsor Carey Olsen, added: “It’s clear that education and healthcare are areas that affect every single one of us in one way or another. This is a unique and valuable opportunity for anyone in Jersey to ask our experts the questions that matter. I’m sure the questions we receive will prompt some thought-provoking debate.”

The Jersey IoD Annual Debate takes place on Thursday 17 September 2015 at the RJA&HS from 4.45pm – 9.45pm and is open to all islanders. Places cost £80 per person, including a supper, whilst a table of 12 can also be booked via the IoD Jersey Branch Officer on 610799 or jedirector@localdial.com. Further information is available at www.iod.je.