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Nearly 200 delegates gathered for the sell-out launch of a ground-breaking report that highlights the immense economic and social contributions of Jersey’s third sector.

 

The event saw the presentation of preliminary findings, key insights, and recommendations from the Value of the Third Sector Report, commissioned by the Jersey Community Foundation in partnership with Jersey Overseas Aid, the Jersey Community Partnership, and PwC Channel Islands. Although the full report is set to be published at the end of the week, attendees were given an exclusive preview of the most significant data, underscoring the crucial role the third sector plays in Jersey's economy and community.

 

The report reveals that Jersey’s third sector—including charities, non-profit organisations, voluntary groups, social enterprises, and housing associations—contributes an impressive £230 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the Island's economy. Despite its substantial economic footprint, nearly matching the size of Jersey's legal sector, the third sector’s contribution often goes unrecognised.

 

PwC analysts stressed that the £230 million figure likely underestimates the full scope of the sector's impact, as not all charitable organisations were captured in the data. In addition, this GVA figure does not account for the immeasurable benefits that the third sector delivers in terms of well-being, cultural enrichment, and environmental stewardship. When considering these indirect contributions, the true value of Jersey’s third sector far exceeds the initial estimates.

 

One of the more striking revelations was the surprisingly low level of corporate sector contributions through sponsorship to the third sector. Charities in Jersey receive less than 2% of their income from corporate sponsorships, a figure notably out of step with the size and maturity of Jersey’s financial services sector. This underscores an urgent need for greater engagement from the finance industry, both in terms of financial donations and the volunteering of professional skills and services.

 

A robust panel discussion explored how Jersey’s financial sector can foster a culture of philanthropy and significantly increase lower-level recurring donations, which are five times lower than in the UK. Jersey Community Foundation CEO Anna Terry and other sector leaders urged the financial community to step up, whether through donations, CSR programs, or volunteering. The Government was also called upon to help bridge gaps and alleviate challenges, particularly around access to technology and innovative digital solutions (like adopting fast digital payment systems) that are not currently readily available to the Jersey market.

 

The event concluded with a keynote address by Daniel Chan MBE, PwC UK’s Charities Leader, who outlined the importance of transparent charity reporting, best practices for effective governance, and ways to safeguard against fraud.

 

CEO of Jersey Community Foundation, Anna Terry, says, “This report shines a light on the incredible contributions of Jersey’s third sector, not only to our economy but also to the wellbeing of our Island community. The findings reveal just how significant the sector's impact is, yet its true value often goes unnoticed.

 

“Our hope is that this report will cultivate a deeper appreciation for the third sector and inspire greater collaboration and investment from all corners of the Island – whether through donations, volunteering or strategic partnerships. By working together, we can ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector and continue to enhance the quality of life for everyone in Jersey.”

 

Attendees represented a broad cross-section of Jersey’s third sector, government, and business communities, all eager to explore how the findings of this report can serve as a catalyst for greater recognition, collaboration, and investment in the sector.

 

The full report is available here to download. Combining available data sources with a sector-wide survey, the 70-page core document sets out valuable insights into the size, scope, economic impact, financial dependencies and strategic ambitions of the sector, alongside the challenges and opportunities arising. The report concludes with recommendations for the third sector and for its wider partners in government, the community and the private sector, in order to ensure the sector is fit for the future and able to further strengthen their contribution.

Hundreds Attend Launch of Landmark Report Showcasing the True Value of Jersey’s Third Sector

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