Finally- the truth about the Grand Prix system and the Cover up led by the States of Jersey

Today has taken a long time in coming.

There have been many battles along the way, some have been won some have been lost.

Today however, I believe we won the war for vulnerable children in Jersey who come into contact with the criminal justice and welfare system.

Despite the stress, the worry, the bullying and intimidation, the lies, the deceit and condemnation, today has made the whole ordeal worth while.

Never again will a vulnerable child held in the secure estate in Jersey, be locked up upon arrival - a time when they desperately need to be cared for and reassured.

Never again will a vulnerable child have to endure lengthy periods of solitary confinement.

Today has been a big day for those of us who have been fighting for justice for these children. It has also been one of the biggest kicks in the teeth for the politicians and senior managers.

The very people who have spent the past 18 months telling you all that I and Senator Syvret are lying, that we are disaffected.

In fact, they have been so hell bent on denying that anything was abusive that they have scored the most spectacular own goal yet.

The boomerang of political spin has finally come full circle and hit them square in the ass!

So, where do we start.

I intend to post a series of blogs as the days unfold. I also want you all to shout about my blog from the rooftops, email your friends. If a few of you can be bothered even post fliers around the island. If someone can get some car window stickers made then do it.

We need to expose the truth, prevent the usual bullshit spin from diluting the truly damning evidence within the report.

In my view, this report is even more damning that the infamous Cathy Bull report back in 2001.

I will hopefully be attending a number of media interviews over the coming days. Breakfast time with Roger Bara at 7.05am on Tuesday booked in so far and the JEP.

So that I am prepared for these interviews, so that I can provide the evidence needed to counter the usual spin from the States of Jersey I need some help. I need you to help me collate all of the statements, that the senior civil servants and politicians have given to the press in the past 18 months.

It is this evidence that I will use to call for a full and independent investigation into the handling of my original complaint and about the Grand Prix system.

If anyone can help with this, searching through Community Care website, the States Greffe, all of the major press websites and provide me with a link and their statements.

This can only work for statements that give direct quotes, it cannot be paraphrased statements.

Once I have this evidence I will be writing to the Chief Minister and Senator Shenton requesting the immediate suspension of any individual that can be proven to have been involved in the cover up of the Grand Prix system.

I will also be making a further statement to the Jersey Police with regards to any of these individuals who have perverted the course of justice or misconduct in public office.

You can access the full report by the Howard League on http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/jersey/7727840.stm

To give just one example of the kind of evidence that I am after consider the following;

After I had made my original complaint on the 1st January 2008, Marnie Baudain, Mario Lundy and Tony Le Seuer requested that Phil Dennett undertake an investigation into my complaint.

The terms of reference given to Phil Dennett were as follows;

"...investigate all professional practice and policy issues at the Greenfields Secure Unit in order to establish whether quality of care, welfare and human rights safeguards are of an appropriate standard and quality".

In Section 12 of his report, Phil Dennett stated,

"12.7 There are no signs or reports of an abusive regime being operated in either the former or present Greenfields"

Now, I am no lawyer, but does this not prove that Phil Dennett has been involved in a cover up?

If not, it certainly proves that he is incapable of carrying out his job.

He was either aware of it and covered it up or he was not aware of it and should have been.

There is plenty of evidence available we just have to find it. I know that the following people have made statements about the Grand Prix system;

Joe Kennedy

Phil Dennett

Senator Vibert

Bill Ogley

Senator Walker

Marnie Baudains

Mario Lundy

Mike Pollard

Steven Austin-Vautier

Tom McKeon

Senator Perchard

See what information you can get for me.

Please, this is very important.

I am not interested in hear say, just fact. Only factual evidence that can be corroborated will be published on this blog. Any rumours however will still be gratefully received but not published!

Simon

The Howard League Report - Friday 14th November 2008

As you will probably know by now, tomorrow is Judgement Day.

The Howard League will be publishing their report.

I will do a lengthy blog tomorrow when the embargo has ended. However, it is my belief that the report will, through it's findings, call into question the tenability of many civil servants and politicians.

From this, some should be suspended and some should resign, lets see? Yeah right!
It is expected that the report will throw up many question. My previous blogs have highlighted some of my concerns and those raised by Senator Syvret.

Since yesterday, when I restarted my blog the following has been asked;

Question 1.

"Was the Grande Prix system used or not? i am confused. Is Mr perchard saying "yes,this is the behaviour system they adopted, but they did'nt use it"?If this is the case, what behaviour system was used?All very confusing.How long has Mr perchard been assistant health minister? not very long is it?Perhaps Mr perchard can explain the definitions of exactly what did and did'nt happen at greenfields, he seems to have all the details.He must have been very busy reading all the files and records, and talking to everyone who was ever involved with Le Chenes and Greenfields, so perhaps he can explain what it means.So,Let's get this right, the Grande Prix, it existed in theory but was'nt put into practice?So were residents put in a cell for 24 hours on arrival or not?Were residents put into a cell for 3 days if they misbehaved or refused to do what was asked? Was that time extended if conduct wasn't complient in the cell? Didn't several residents spend weeks in a cell? Is that what they mean by a watered down version of Grande Prix?Who introduced Grande Prix? and When?When did it stop?I'm confused.com"

Answer 1

Yes, the Grand Prix system did exist. Yes residents were put in a cell for 24 hours. Yes residents were put into a cell for three days if they misbehaved or refused to do what was asked.

Yes, the time was extended if they failed to comply. Yes several residents did spend weeks in their cell. Senator Perchard will dispute this of course, a debate which will be had in due course.

For me, the real question is who is the liar? Is it me or Senator Perchard et al?

Two days ago, during a telephone conversation, Senator Perchard informed me that there was nothing illegal about the Grand Prix system!

My view is that the only way to uncover the truth is through the staff and young people who were there at the time. Without them the truth will be lost. Was I the liar along with Senator Syvret or was it them!!!

Can the staff speak out? Will they speak out? I doubt it, but lets hope and pray that they do. Now is the time to reveal the truth, they are protected more than ever before, do the right thing and tell the truth.

As and when the truth does emerge, it will prove that one of us is lying.

Question 2.

Do you know anything about the two 15year olds incarcerated at LaMoye .I know that a tutor is going up there to give them lessons but I still cannot understand how or why a child could possibly be held in an adult prison. I have since learnt that these children are not kept in solitary confinement but the really worrying issues are who’re they mixing with".

Answer 2

I have heard nothing of the two 15 year olds at La Moye. The Tutor however, is likely to be from the Alternative Curriculum.

If they (the young people) are sentenced then that is why they are at La Moye and not Greenfields. The law says that they have to be held in a YOI (Young Offenders Institution) hence Greenfields cannot hold them.

The esteemed Wendy Kinnard clearly felt that it was more appropriate to stick to the Jersey laws rather than the Euopean Convention on the Rights of the Child which is why sentenced children, often vulnerable children are incarcerated at the adult prison!

If you look at my previous blog I did refer to the case of a young girl who was held illegally in La Moye. I suspect that the Howard League report will support my earlier comments.

On 13th April 2008 I wrote;

"It did not take me long to realise that the States of Jersey’s had an odd view of what constituted good child care. My concerns were first raised when I reviewed the care status of the children in residence at the time. There was one resident that I was confused as to their legal status. They were not there on Remand, nor were they subject to a Secure Accommodation Order; these being the only two legal routes into Greenfields.After some probing questions I learnt that this child was subject to a Community Order (a non custodial sentence for a criminal offence) a requirement of this Order included a residency requirement (a requirement imposed to reduce the risk of re-offending such as residing with a family member or a specific children’s home). Having previously worked in a Youth Offending Team for two years in the UK I was well aware of such requirements, however, this one was different. This residency requirement was at Greenfields a secure children's home; a requirement which was clearly designed to remove the child’s liberty and keep them in a custodial setting.I later learnt that this was considered a positive choice by the States of Jersey as the child had previously been sentenced to La Moye, the adult prison. Given their age it was considered as inappropriate so the custodial sentence had been quashed. A sensible choice in my view. The decision to remove them from La Moye was good, the decision to remove their liberty with a residency requirement as part of a Community Order was illegal. The European Convention on Human Rights does not allow someones liberty to be taken away without a lawful Order, and certainly not because a country has decided not to invest in adequate care provisions for its young and vulnerable children.This is just one example of the poor and often unlawful practice which the States of Jersey is responsible for, practices which I soon realised were long standing in relation to their provision of social services and child protection systems."

As mentioned earlier and with regards to tonight's interviews, I cannot find the link but I was on Channel TV tonight at 7.30pm. It was in relation to the imminent release of the Howard League report.

If anyone can find a link please post it for me on here.

I will post more tomorrow.

Simon Bellwood
The Whistleblower!

Simon Bellwood - Round 2!

Dear all,

Firstly let me apologise for the lack of attention to my blog site over recent months.

I have no excuse other than I have been really busy... starting a new career.

Those of you who had previously followed my blog will know that the States of Jersey decided that I was not very good at social work and to prove their point they sacked me.

In response, rather than leave Jersey (much to their disappointment), I embarked on a new career and I am here to stay. Although not as active in pursuit of justice as I would like to be, and despite my lack of attention to my blog, I have endeavoured to keep the pressure on in order to promote the rights of children.

Oh, before I go on, I almost forgotto say 'Hi' to Phil (Dennett). Marnie (Baudains), Joe (Kennedy), Linda (Dodds), Madeleine (Davies), Mikey (Pollard) and Mickey (Pinel), Billy (Ogley) and Franky (Wa*ker). Long time no speak, I hope you are all well?

Anyway, getting back to my blog, where have I found the energy to start blogging again? All will be revealed!

I intend on posting blogs in relation to the imminent publication of the Howard League report as well as looking at the entrenched bullying culture within the States of Jersey's civil service.

An area I am sure will provoke some strong reactions. Have you been bullied and not believed?

The imminent release of the Howard League report will also provoke some strong responses, whether they be employees, former residents or the general public.

Did you know that Jersey lock up more children than the rest of Europe? Ironic when you consider the previous role of the senatorial pole topper?

I would love to hear from you with suggestions of what topics should be covered within this blog.

As always I am particularly keen to hear from Greenfields staff and residents (and their families).

But just to warn you, the Grand Prix system...it didn't happen.

We all know and accept that it was an unfortunate policy document that was misrepresented.

Just so you know, do not try and condemn this view as it will not be mentioned on my blog due to the controversy it may cause.

Clearly there is no evidence to suggest that it happened, it is only disaffected individuals (like me) who claim that children were locked in solitary confinement for long periods of time (which was unlawful).

It is an open and shut case, put it to rest, lest talk about more pressing issues like the...uhhmmm?

I look forward to your comments.

Simon Bellwood
The Social Worker who was sacked AFTER (and not for)whistle blowing

Search for people who may have information...

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.

The Upex Report

I only have a PDF of the report so it is easier for you to follow the link below to find it on the States website.

I would like to congratulate Frank Walker and his chums for the Executive Summary which has so desperately been attached to the front the report.

You will notice that the report does not criticise me in any way yet Walker, our great leader, assassinates my character before you even get to read a single word written by Professor Upex.

Great tactic Frank - divert attention, discredit the person who blew the whistle and save face all in one foul swoop.

Also, I would like to hear from the staff/witnesses who were called to Pollard's office the week before my tribunal to talk about how they wanted them to discredit me, how they were going to tell the world I was a bad manager who deserved to be sacked.

I have sacrificed my career, 15 years worth of work, for the children's service in Jersey - now I want you to support me and tell the truth.

I am disgusted that I am still being made the scapegoat and being accused putting staff and children and risk. I am disgusted that the States of Jersey are still making life hell for me and my family, still trying to get me out of our family house by reneging on the employment tribunal agreement.

Tell the truth, stand up for what is right, have you no morals?

The report

http://www.statesassembly.gov.je/documents/reports/30111-1547-1572008.pdf