STATES OF JERSEY

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Annual Business Plan 2008 (P.93/2007): EIGHth amendment

Lodged au Greffe on 4th September 2007
by Deputy R.G. Le Hérissier of St. Saviour

STATES GREFFE

ANNUAL BUSINESS PLAN 2008 (P.93/2007): EIGHTH AMENDMENT

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In paragraph (a)(iv) after the words “pages 56 and 57 of the Annex” insert the words –

“except that in Objective 3, after Performance/success criteria (iii), insert the following new Performance/success criteria –

(iv) Need for independent person or agency to receive approaches from whistleblowers assessed.”.

DEPUTY R.G. LE HÉRISSIER OF ST. SAVIOUR

REPORT

Ideally this office should be seen as one that would benefit the whole States. However, I am recommending that its feasibility for Health and Social Services be first assessed. Health and Social Services deals with particularly sensitive personal issues and, as such, there is a strong and an urgent need. Furthermore, its experience could be of benefit to the other Departments of the States.

As a result of my successful amendment to the Strategic Plan last year, Health and Social Services are committed to introducing an Independent Complaints Procedure by 31st December this year. I see the role of an agency or person to receive approaches from whistleblowers as complementary to the Independent Complaints Procedure. Indeed, a robust procedure might well reduce the number of potential complaints.

In the light of recent events, I think it is particularly important that this office or procedure is entirely removed from any influences within the organisation, be they political or otherwise. It must be structured in such a way that confidentiality is paramount and that there is a very clear follow-up procedure which gives both the whistleblower and the public confidence that the matter is taken seriously. I believe that a properly constructed procedure, in parallel with the soon to be introduced independent complaints procedure will engender confidence amongst both staff and clients.

As this amendment relates solely to an assessment of this matter there are no additional financial and manpower implications at this stage.