Public employees Codes of Practice employees Codes of Practice

WQ.367/2023

WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE CHAIR OF THE STATES EMPLOYMENT BOARD BY DEPUTY M.R. SCOTT OF ST. BRELADE

QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 2nd OCTOBER 2023

ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 9th OCTOBER 2023

Question

“Further to the responses provided to both Written Questions 23/2023 and 63/2023, will the Chair provide detail on any guidelines and training materials for public employees regarding interpretation of the Codes of Practice, including the definition of bullying, harassment, conflict of interest and public interest,

negligence, breach of confidentiality, engaging in political activities and what constitutes gross misconduct, and advise –

1. how many employees across the public sector (both as a percentage and in real terms) have received any training in the interpretation oftheCodesof Practice;
2. what work is being undertaken to better align the Codes of Practice with best ethical standards and practice in professional organisations outside the States and Government ofJersey, and ifnone, why not;
3. what consideration, if any, is being given to the establishment of a support framework for public employeestoprovide recourse to an independent third party to offer informal rulings and advice on conduct issues including the definitionson the previous areas; and
4. what consideration, if any, is being given to making training in ethical conduct compulsory and training repeated during an employee's service within the government organisation?”

Answer

1. We do not currently have a full record asthere are not specific courses. We regularly communicateand include Codes within management development and induction.
2. As part of developing our career structures, we will be working with heads of professions to map within Connect People professional standards, training requirements and CPD (continuous professional development) activities. These will be incorporated into the performance management for each professional group. This will include any professional standards and training related to ethical practice for individual professions.
3. There isno consideration for this work. Employees are encouraged to join a trade union. The employment relationship is a private one and it is not appropriate to outsource our obligations underthe laws to ensure employees and investigations are undertakenin line with Codes of Practice issued by JACS andour own policies.
4. The requirements will differ between professions and professional standards. A blanket approach isnot being considered.