Attending a panel hearing as a witness
Preparing for the hearing
Before the hearing a Scrutiny officer will:
- give you details of the time and place of the hearing
- give you a list of questions you may be asked
- be able to discuss the format of the hearing
A panel may want to hear evidence from your organisation, in which case one or several representatives may need to attend the hearing. You must provide full names and job titles of these representatives to the Scrutiny Office at least 1 week in advance of the hearing. If you wish to make changes or additions to these representatives, this must be discussed with the Scrutiny officer beforehand.
If you want to provide the panel with supplementary evidence at the hearing, you must submit it at least 24 hours before the hearing.
Scrutiny panels can agree to hear evidence in private if it is confidential or if it contains private or personal information. If you believe this applies to your evidence, you should tell the Scrutiny officers before the hearing.
Where is the hearing likely to be held?
Most hearings take place in the States Building in the Royal Square. When you arrive, reception staff will show you to the waiting area. A Scrutiny officer will normally meet you there and answer any queries you may have.
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.
What do I need to bring?
You should bring the following items with you to the hearing:
- a brief opening statement (if you have been given the opportunity to make one)
- a copy of your written evidence
What should I wear?
There is no dress code; however, we recommend that you wear comfortable clothing appropriate for a professional setting.
Speaking freely to the panel
Witnesses are given protection from being sued or prosecuted so that you can speak freely and openly to the panel without fear of legal action. However, this immunity shouldn't be abused by making unsubstantiated statements about third parties who have no right of reply. Please bear this in mind when you're answering questions.
What will happen during the hearing?
Each Scrutiny panel has a chairman who is in charge of the hearing. The chairman will call members of the panel and witnesses to speak. All the members will have name-plates in front of them and you can address them as Chairman, Senator, Deputy or Connétable accordingly. The Scrutiny officer will sit next to the chairman during the hearing and explain procedures.
All proceedings are recorded. There will be a microphone in front of you that is operated automatically.
You may be given the opportunity to make a brief opening statement; however, the panel members will already have a copy of your submitted written evidence so there is no need to repeat this. Anyone accompanying you in an official capacity may pass you notes if necessary.
As it is a public hearing, the media have the right to attend but will not interfere in the proceedings in any way.
What happens after the hearing?
If you have offered to send follow-up information, you will need to forward this to the Scrutiny Office within 7 days from the date of giving evidence. In exceptional cases, this might be extended.
As soon as the final report is ready for publication, you will be forwarded a copy for your information.