The Association of Jersey Charities (AJC) held an event to boost engagement between charities and potential election candidates this week.
The event, held on 16th March 2026 at the Trinity Showground, was attended by approximately 200 people, including representatives from more than 45 charities as well as a number of currently serving politicians and individuals considering putting themselves forward for election this year.
It provided an early opportunity for charities to interact with potential candidates for the upcoming elections and provide an insight into the value of charities to Jersey, the challenges charities are facing, and the opportunities for charities and Government to work in partnership.
AJC Interim CEO Marcus Liddiard provided an overview of the charitable sector at the event, highlighting the diverse impact charities have on island life and that the third sector makes a £230m economic contribution to the local economy (The Value of Jersey’s Third Sector, JCF/PwC).
He also set out a pledge, containing five high-level commitments the AJC would like candidates to consider supporting, aimed at helping to ensure that charities are valued, supported, and effectively utilised in delivering positive outcomes for islanders. The proposed pledge is:
“I recognise the vital role charities play in Jersey and commit to strengthening partnership between Government and the charitable sector. If elected, I will support:
- Recognising charities as strategic partners in policymaking and service delivery
- Providing stable, multi-year funding for essential services
- Consulting charities early in policies affecting the communities they serve
- Ensuring fair commissioning and procurement processes
- Investing in the long-term strength and sustainability of Jersey’s charitable sector”
- Laura Kangas-Hamon, Local Services Manager, Government of Jersey also spoke at the event, highlighting the relationships Government has with local charities and the opportunities for partnerships.
Marcus said: “We fundamentally believe that charities play a critical role in delivering valuable services in Jersey’s community, reducing the burden on public resources, providing better outcomes for islanders and strengthening community resilience – but a strong partnership with Government is absolutely vital in enabling them to deliver on that promise.
“This event was really helpful in providing a platform for charities to explain how they work, what they deliver and what they need from our future politicians to help them thrive. I was really enthused by the positive conversations our charities had with potential candidates and I look forward to seeing our five commitments and pledge reflected in manifestos as the election period ramps up.”
The main picture shows Marcus Liddiard, Laura Kangas-Hamon (Local Services Manager, Government of Jersey) and Robert Surcouf (AJC Chairman).
