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I have recently been exchanging correspondence with a responsible, trustworthy film-maker who is very interested in hearing from those of you who work, or have worked, in the care system in Jersey.

This person works for a large reputable company and would treat this with the utmost discretion.

It can be strictly off-the-record/anonymous if needs be; you can contact the individual through me and I will not disclose any details without your consent.

The film-maker is also interested in talking to people who have been through the child care system.

I know it is difficult to speak out about such matters but if you feel able to speak in confidence please contact me via email at thejerseywhistlleblower@hotmail.com

I would particularly like to hear from Phil Dennett, Joe Kennedy, Marnie Baudains, Linda Dodds, Madeliene Davies and Mike Pollard (should they ever wish to confess their sins and help themsleves sleep a little more easy at night). Oh and let's not forget the recent recruits in the war against justice and good child care practices: Senators Shenton and Perchard) and others who still work for the States of Jersey or private/charitable organisations.

Joking aside, this is a serious matter and a serious offer to anyone who would like to confidentially speak to this particular film-maker, through me.

Simon

Police Investigation into my employment tribunal

Dear All

It has been some time since I last posted a blog on here - my energy is being focused elsewhere, I am afraid.

However, I figured that it is important for me to post a blog in light of today's JEP article.

The police are conducting an investigation into certain issues in relation to my employment tribunal. Although this has been taking place for some time now, somehow the JEP have just got wind of it. As a result, I understand that the police have had to issue a press statement.

There is little more that I can say on the matter, other than I hope that once - finally - the States might be found culpable for their corruption and cover ups.

I am so grateful to everyone who loyally reads my blog, and thank you for all the support you have given me. Just this afternoon, since the newspapers hit the stands, I have received several encouraging comments from you.

I am sorry that I do not write posts more often than I do. It was becoming a bit of a late night obsession. I eventually figured that the States might not have succeeded in driving me off the island (much to their collective disappointment), but if they managed to drive me crazy, then that would probably gratify them equally!

With regards to the police investigation, dare I raise my hopes again of justice in these matters? Having apparently been vindicated at the employment tribunal, with Professor Upex's report upholding that my dismissal was unfair, and yet being regularly slagged off for my alleged (without any evidence) incompetence, it doesn't feel very fair or just to me.

I cannot comment further on the police investigation for fear of jeopardising the inquiry in any way, but I am happy to post comments and respond to them if appropriate.

I would also be interested to know who you think might be the "senior civil servant" under investigation, if there is in fact only one, and your reasoning why you think it might be them!

Simon

Blog Comment - for discussion

Sorry for my delay in posting further. I have been tied up trying to get my new business going, and fighting the States of Jersey as they persist in trying to prevent me and my family from staying in our family home.

Anyway, that is a post for another day.

I was contacted this evening by someone who wrote the following:


"I was quite disturbed today by a conversation I had with a work colleague. Having attended a family b.b.q one of her relatives was very upset that his grand daughter, who is in care had phoned him that evening, worried that she had to have a bath and it was only male staff on duty.

He subsequently phoned the home, to be told, yes due to the holiday roster there were no female staff on duty.

How can this happen in the current light of things.

I am not a care worker or have anything to do with this field but alarm bells are ringing in my ears when a venerable young girl feels so desperate.

Surely their should be a mix of staff at all times.

Are their no set guidelines?"

Any views?

I know what National Minimum Care Standards say but this is Jersey, does anyone know what National Minimum Care (Jersey) Standards guidelines say?!

Unfortunately, it could be argued that there is nothing wrong with this scenario as Jersey have no set standards, preferring to make it up as they go along. As far as good practice is concerned, it would be acceptable to have only male staff on duty during the day, but there should always be one female staff member present at night. However, it should be possible for the young person concerned to feel safe enough in the children's home that they can have a bath, in a bathroom with a locked door, without fearing that anyone will walk in on them.

I would encourage the parent to make a complaint about this, but be warned that there is no proper complaints policy, so the way that the complaint will be dealt with is hit and miss. Probably miss. But it's still worth making the complaint.

Unless of course you're an employee, then you can blow the whistle using the Serious Concerns Policy. My advice on that point would be, don't do it - if you do use it they will get rid of you and then proceed to tell everyone that you were rubbish at your job, ruin your career, make your life hell, and carry on as if nothing happened.

When they have finished doing all this, then you could telephone the Minister, Senator Shenton, and he will reassure that"...you have been shafted but that's politics; if it wasn't for you, none of these changes would have happened." He might go on to say, "what is said behind closed doors is not what is said to the media."

He might even promise to make a public statement after the summer recess in support of you, but don't hold your breath.