FAQs

What is Future Sark? 

Future Sark is a community conversation about the island’s future. It is an opportunity to bring islanders together to share what matters most, what should be protected, and what could be improved over time. 

We want to hear from people of all ages and experiences. Young people’s views are especially important, as they will live longest with the choices we make today.

This will create a shared picture, which Chief Pleas can consider when making decisions and that all islanders can use to understand how well the island is doing.  

In this way, Future Sark will help us all think ahead with clarity and confidence. 

Why does it matter?

At its heart, Future Sark is about making sure the island’s future is shaped by the people who live here. 

This work is important because it will: 

• Build a shared understanding of what matters most to islanders  

• Create space for open, inclusive and non-political discussion  

• Provide an evidence base to inform Chief Pleas of Sark decision making  

• Ensure a wide range of voices are heard, including those who might not usually take part  

The aim is to create a process that feels clear, welcoming and easy for people to engage with.

How can I take part?  

There are several easy ways to join in:  

• in April and May, share your thoughts and ideas as part the engagement phase  

• attend community workshops in the first week of June

• complete a short survey that will be shared after the workshops  

• join the WhatsApp group to receive regular updates, using QR code on the homepage of this site 

You can take part as much or as little as you like. 

Do I need expertise to contribute?  

Future Sark is about islanders’ experiences and views of the future, not technical knowledge. Everyone who lives in Sark has a valuable perspective - whether you have lived here all your life or arrived more recently.  

What does the public engagement phase involve? 

The public engagement phase is the first stage of Future Sark. It starts the community conversation, makes sure people know the work is underway, and gathers initial views from across the island. 

A new question will be shared each week, in the post and on this webiste, facebook and in the WhatsApp group. 

Please complete the post card and return drop it off in a box at the Post Office, Committee Office, Food Stop or Mon Plaisir (spare postcards will also be available in these locations).

If you prefer, you can email your reply to hello@futuresark.com. 

Choose the response method that works best for you.

Alongside the public engagement there will also be discussions with hospitality and other businesses, wth Chief Pleas committees, and with the Societe Sercquaise. 

What happens to the ideas people share?  

Ideas will be brought together into common themes showing what islanders care about most, and these will inform the workshop discussions. 

Draft priorities from the workshops will then be shared so residents can see how their input has shaped the process and have a final say - via an island-wide survey - before Chief Pleas considers the work in September.  

Will Future Sark change laws or make decisions?  

No, the Future Sark process isn’t about changing laws or making specific decisions. Chief Pleas will continue to do this, but the Future Sark conversation can help ensure those decisions are informed by what islanders say matters most. It is a guide for the future, not a set of rules. 

Why are we doing this now? 

Chief Pleas agreed to support the work, which is partly based on a similar process undertaken in Jersey in 2017. You can find out about Future Jersey online, and we’re being supporting by those that led and implemented that work.