Recently, the Election 2025 team invited prospective candidates to two drop-in sessions to quiz current States members about life as a Deputy.
Our question was simple: “What are the positives of being a States member?”. The answers were surprisingly uplifting…
Make change or progress
You have a vote that can make a real change.
Satisfying to champion causes and be able to make some progress.
It’s a chance to make change. You carry the hopes of the community.
You can represent people who might not be the loudest and don’t get the focus.
You can change things if you are prepared to work at getting other people to come with you.
You can make a difference eg domestic abuse law.
Good to see something change on the ground because of something you’ve done.
Rewarding to be involved in a proposition you believe passionately about.
Intellectually challenging
You learn a huge amount, it’s fascinating.
Intellectually challenging, looking at things you’ve never had exposure to.
Exposed to new situations, quickly get opportunity to be involved.
You have access to every area of your committee. For Home Affairs that’s prison, police, probation, witness support, SARC, third sector.
Responsibility
Few other activities are as far reaching and carry as much responsibility.
If public believes in you, it’s a privilege to carry out their wishes.
No other job like it.
States decisions shape young people’s future.
Flexibility
*You don’t work 9-5. There’s a lot to read and prepare but when you get that done is up to you.
Another side of Guernsey
Opens your eyes to parts of the island that you didn’t have reason to be involved with before. Broadens your perspective.
See a part of Guernsey that you wouldn’t have seen. More informed.
Makes you a better person by seeing the challenges of others, makes you more considerate.
New knowledge
Constantly acquiring new knowledge and perspectives.
Helping fellow islanders
Opportunity to mediate between government services and parishioners.
Can do deep dives into specific issues and then relay the facts to colleagues and the public.
Feeling of being able to listen, help and support.
*The small wins from helping constituents inspire you to keep going.
Can help individual constituents just because you have a little bit more knowledge.
Often someone will have been trying for months to get clarity. You can speak to senior officers easily. Fulfilling to get a good resolution.
Satisfying when you answer people’s difficulties.
Being able to signpost individuals – complicated for them but you understand the system and can find a way through.
Involvement in island life
Rewarding to be invited to events and see success eg presentations and awards.
Love the practicalities of making things workable. For example, talking to stakeholder groups.
*Gives you an insight into island life – particularly the public/community side.
Deputy Lindsay De Sausmarez
Deputy Gavin St Pier
