blog.gov.jeDr Andrew McLaughlin, Chief Executive Officer, Government of Jersey
The past year has been one of meaningful progress for the Government of Jersey, as we
work towards enhancing the services Islanders rely on and managing public finances with
care and discipline.
This year saw delivery against some of the most important commitments to community
wellbeing. All primary schools now have access to a hot, nutritious meal, with continued
focus on increasing uptake and ensuring families who most need support can benefit.
Investment in lifelong learning and skills has also expanded, with increased grants for
distance and higher education study, targeted support for apprenticeships, and new training pathways enabling Islanders to develop their careers in a changing economy.
Progress on our healthcare transformation has continued at pace. Permission has been granted for the Acute Hospital at Overdale, works have advanced on site, and a preferred tenderer has been appointed, which are key milestones that bring us closer to modern, fit for purpose facilities. We have improved access to mental health services, strengthened pathways in urgent and emergency care, and introduced new preventative services such as enhanced screening and a falls response initiative. GP fees have been reduced through new subsidies, helping to make essential care more affordable for Islanders.
We have also taken significant steps in protecting vulnerable people and building a safer community. Thirty five of the Government led Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce recommendations are now complete, with further progress underway. Enhancements across Fire and Rescue, Ambulance, Customs and Immigration, and cyber security functions have reinforced our capacity to protect the public and respond to emerging threats.
Affordability remains a central concern for many Islanders, and this year the Government
has taken concerted action to support those facing financial pressures. Income Support and long-term care benefits continued to reach thousands of households, while reforms to tenancy legislation, increased housing support, and the First Step assisted purchase scheme have strengthened the pathway to affordable homes. The decision to transition to a living wage from April 2026 marks a major milestone in improving living standards.
Across the economy, we have strengthened support for businesses through the Better Business Support Package, progressed reforms to reduce red tape, and introduced legislative changes to enhance Jersey’s competitiveness. Work on Pillar 2 implementation and wider financial services policy has helped maintain the Island’s international reputation while adapting to global expectations.
Environmental sustainability and the future resilience of our Island remain core priorities. We have advanced implementation of the Carbon Neutral Roadmap, launched Youth Climate Summits, expanded active travel initiatives such as Cycle September, and continued essential work to protect our natural resources, including major programmes focused on water quality and sustainable marine management. Significant investment in Jersey’s built environment has also progressed, with improvements in roads, drainage, schools, and community facilities benefiting Islanders today and in the future.
Financial discipline has remained essential throughout the year. Despite ongoing cost pressures, we have delivered recurring savings, strengthened debt recovery, and continued to improve financial controls and accountability. The recruitment freeze introduced in 2024 has mitigated substantial workforce cost growth, allowing us to focus investment on frontline roles in health and education while managing overall staffing responsibly. But there is more work to be done.
Alongside this, we continue to build capability and culture across the public service. More colleagues are completing performance development, accessing leadership training, and contributing through volunteering programmes. Customer satisfaction remains strong, and we are acting on feedback to improve consistency, accessibility, and the quality of service delivery.
None of these achievements would be possible without the dedication of public servants across all Departments and Non Ministerial bodies, nor without the support of our partners across the Parishes, voluntary sector, and wider community. I want to express my sincere thanks to all colleagues for their professionalism and commitment to serving Islanders.
As we look ahead, our focus remains clear: delivering high quality public services, managing public finances responsibly, and strengthening the long term wellbeing of our Island. This Annual Report and Accounts provides a comprehensive account of our work in 2025, and I commend it to all who wish to understand how public resources have been used to support Jersey and its people.