Deadline set to bring forward Jersey's whistleblowing law

Whistleblowing legislation will have to come before Jersey's States before the end of January.

Backbencher Deputy Carina Alves forced a vote to push on with protections for staff who allege wrongdoing in the workplace.

She brought the proposal after Social Security Minister Elaine Millar said in September that progress the draft law would not be a priority for her in 2027.

Read; Whistleblowing law on hold

That incensed Deputy Alves, who won States support three years for Jersey to introduce statutory safeguards for staff who allege wrongdoing in the workplace.

Read Renewed push for whistleblowing legislation

Ministers initially submitted an amendment to the deputy's call to expedite the process, asking for an extra year - to bring forward the draft law for approval by 31 January 2031.  They then withdrew that request.

The topic has been thrust into spotlight this month, with a former social worker bringing a dismissal claim against the government alleging she was sacked for raising safeguarding concerns.  Alison Renouf had shared a video recording of a meeting of senior officials with children's charities in which the Police Chief and the former States CEO made comments about the Jersey Care Inquiry.

Read: Ministers 'do not endorse' Inquiry comments in safeguarding meeting

The Employment Tribunal in that case is ongoing.

Ministers this week said:

"Work on whistleblowing legislation is ongoing, and arrangements have been strengthened since this case came to light.

"And Ministers wish to make it clear that, when concerns relate to senior members of staff, a new provision has recently been introduced which permits whistleblowers to step outside the Government system to an independent body that is not directly involved in the Government.

"Ministers further recognised that work must continue to improve safeguarding standards in the island and can confirm that the Government will provide a further statement once the tribunal is completed to make clear what additional actions will be taken."

 Deputy Carina Alves

The case, and the media attention that has surround it, dominated many of the speeches during today's debate.

Deputy Louise Doublet urged colleagues to respond to the mood of the public:

 "I think we should read the room, in terms of what islanders are seeing in the media and the issues that are being raised.  This is one of the most talked about issues at the moment, and islanders want to see action from this Assembly."

Deputy Jonathan Renouf, whose sister Alison is the subject of the Employment Tribunal case, told the Assembly:

"Statutory protection sends a message. It sets a standard in society.  It does not guarantee an outcome, but it says where society stands.

"Not all the benefits of legislation are felt in successful cases brought to a tribunal. The biggest change may be the cultural response.

"Employers take notice and adapt... standards rise, internal whistleblowing processes are strengthened and new norms are created."

Deputy Carina Alves spoke publicly for the first time about her own experience of raising concerns about senior management in a previous place of employment, recounting how mediators advised her against pursuing the issue if she wanted to continue her career in the island.

She got emotional as she described a difficult and painful time.

"I very much felt silenced.  I very much felt alone.  I mean even now, I am struggling to talk about it.

"It really did knock my confidence and how I felt about my own competency."