States offers free course for aspiring deputies

The States of Guernsey is offering a free course for people thinking of standing at next year's general election.

The course, which will run in January and February, will help aspiring deputies understand how the States works and what they might expect.

The weekly sessions at St Martin's Community Centre will cover topics including finances and parliamentary scrutiny, as well as giving people the chance to meet current deputies and visit the States' chamber.

Deputy Carl Meerveld, president of the Assembly & Constitution Committee, which organises elections, said: "The more incoming States members who have a good understanding of how government operates, the better it will be for the crucial decision-making process of the States Assembly."

The course, which is open to interested members of the public as well as prospective candidates, was designed to teach people how government worked in Guernsey, rather than to debate politics, the States said.

Meerveld said anyone who attended and then went on to stand at the election would have their attendance published on their manifesto on the Guernsey Election 2025 website, so "the electorate know about the preparatory work they have carried out".

"I would strongly urge anyone who is interested in standing for election, even if at this stage they are unsure whether they are going to pursue it, to attend this free course," Meerveld said.

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