Attending a hearing as an observer
Members of the public are welcome to come along and observe at public hearings. Hearings are generally open to the public, but sometimes a panel might decide to go into private session for a particular issue.
Where do hearings take place?
Scrutiny hearings normally take place in the States Building in either the Blampied or Le Capelain rooms. You need to report to the reception desk at the entrance of the States Building off the Royal Square. Public seating is provided and you can enter quietly at any time during a public hearing.
There is ramp access from outside the entrance to the States Chamber to the main door of the States Building and full disabled access to the committee rooms.
During the hearing
It is important to remember that you are attending the meeting or hearing as an observer - you must not intervene or interrupt the proceedings. All public hearings are recorded so you must remain quiet and make sure your mobile phone is switched off.
The chairman may ask that any member of the public who does not follow these rules be removed from the committee room and excluded from the remainder of that hearing. If any disturbance in a meeting or hearing threatens the orderly conduct of business, the chairman may close the meeting, or suspend it for a specified period to allow order to be restored.
There is no dress code, but we recommend you wear comfortable clothing appropriate for a professional setting.