The most public aspect of being a States Member is making decisions in the States Assembly Meeting, Alderney’s Parliament, which normally happen once a month. The activities of the States Meeting include making legislation, debating policy and scrutinising Committees. This is chaired by the President of the States of Alderney.
If you are thinking of standing, you might find it helpful to attend some States' Meetings in person. Members of the public are very welcome to watch the proceedings from the public gallery at the Court any time the States is in session.
The items for discussion at a States Meeting are contained in a publication called a Billet d'État which is prepared by the President's office and published not later than the eighth day before the Meeting.
In addition to the consideration of both legislation and policy letters originating from States’ Committees, States Assembly Meetings also provide an opportunity for Members to ask questions to a Committee Chair and for Chairs to make statements in accordance with the Rules of Procedure. There is also the opportunity for Members to prompt debate on a particular matter by submitting a Requête, a proposition agreed by at least four Members to address a defined issue. Generally a Requête is prepared when Members believe that an issue has not been addressed by the Committee system.
States’ Assembly Meetings are normally held every month on a Wednesday at 14.00 and typically last two or three hours depending on the number of items contained within the Billet d’État. Transcripts of the States’ Meetings are recorded in a document called the Official Report or “Hansard” which provides a written record of the Meeting.
All States Meetings are broadcast live online on Quay FM: http://www.quayfm.gg/
People's Meeting
Prior to a States Meeting a public 'People's Meeting' is held at the Island Hall, usually a week prior to the States Assembly Meeting. The purpose of the People's Meeting is to inform people of the States business to be discussed at the upcoming States Assembly Meeting and to answer people’s questions. Additionally, the public have the opportunity to address the States directly on matters of public interest in an 'Open Forum'.
If you are thinking of standing, you might find it helpful to attend a People's Meeting. Emotion and passion often play a part in a meeting which can often become lively with some heated discussions.
Further details about States Meetings and People's Meetings are available here.