Ministers 'do not endorse' Inquiry comments in safeguarding meeting

The government insists safeguarding children and vulnerable people, is, and will always remain, its highest priority, after comments from a safeguarding meeting referring to the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry were leaked.

The JEP has reported that Jersey's Police Chief Robin Smith, in a meeting of government officials in January last year, described the inquiry into decades of child abuse as a 'noose around the island's neck', while the government's then Chief Executive said organisations were 'dining out on what happened a decade ago'.

The comments were released during an employment tribunal brought by a former government social worker, who claims she was sacked for whistleblowing about child safeguarding concerns.

Chief Minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham, and Home Affairs Minister with responsibility for safeguarding, Senator Helen Miles, have released a statement:

"Following media reporting of an ongoing Employment Tribunal, we want to be clear that safeguarding children and vulnerable people is, and will always remain, our highest priority. We remain firmly committed to learning from the lessons of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry and to ensuring that those lessons continue to inform our approach to public service and accountability.

"We do not endorse the language used during an internal meeting, and note that the Chief of Police has acknowledged that his words could have been better chosen. We continue to have full trust and confidence in his leadership of Jersey’s police force.

"We strongly support a culture of openness, transparency and constructive challenge. All islanders must feel able to raise concerns and speak up when they believe issues require attention. Robust whistleblowing arrangements are an essential safeguard and form an important part of our wider framework of governance, accountability and professional standards.

"Given that proceedings remain ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further on the individual case or on the evidence being considered by the Tribunal."

Mr Smith said:

"I recognise that comments attributed to me concerning the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry may have caused concern, particularly among those who experienced abuse and those who have worked tirelessly to ensure the lessons of the past are never forgotten.

"I want to be clear that I fully recognise the significance of the Care Inquiry, the suffering of victims and survivors, and our responsibility to ensure its findings continue to inform how we protect children and vulnerable people.

"My comments were made during a much wider discussion between senior leaders. The point I was making was that, while we must never forget the past, we must also have the confidence to move forward and use those lessons to shape the future. There is an important difference between moving on from the lessons of the past and moving forward because of them. My comments were intended to encourage the latter.

"I readily accept that some of the words I used could have been better chosen, and I apologise for any concern or hurt they may have caused.

"As is clear from the transcript, there was no criticism from me of our staff, partners or the agencies we work alongside. I have the utmost respect for them and the work they do.

"I also want to clarify the position of the States of Jersey Police. Neither SoJP nor I are parties to these proceedings. Mrs Renouf was a Government of Jersey employee, not an SoJP employee. I had no line management responsibility for her and no involvement in the Government’s investigation, disciplinary process or decisions concerning her employment.

"SoJP has received no criminal complaint concerning Mrs Renouf and has undertaken no criminal investigation. Neither SoJP nor I are witnesses and, to my knowledge, neither has provided statements or evidence to the Tribunal.

"I was unaware until earlier this week that the Tribunal hearing had commenced or that comments I made at the meeting were to enter the public domain.

"I believe strongly in openness and transparency. They are fundamental to building and maintaining public trust and confidence, and my comments should be considered in their full context.

"The substance of the proceedings is a matter between Mrs Renouf and the Government of Jersey and ultimately for the Tribunal to determine. My concern is simply that my role, and that of SoJP, is accurately understood.

"Senior leaders must also be able to discuss difficult issues openly and honestly, with a reasonable expectation that confidential discussions will be respected. The circumstances in which this recording was shared are matters for the Tribunal."