08 November 2018
Staff from across the States of Jersey were celebrated at the first-ever One Gov Awards ceremony last night (Wednesday 7 November). The ceremony – at the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel – saw ten awards in a variety of categories.
The awards were formally launched in September, and by the closing deadline States employees had made 326 staff nominations for outstanding individuals and teams across all departments and at all levels.
A panel of judges, made up of employees from across the organisation, shortlisted three finalists in nine of the categories, while the winner of the Special Award was chosen by the Chief Executive, Charlie Parker.
The winners were:
Partnership Award – The Transition between Care Settings Pilot Team
For excellence in working with partners, internally or externally.
The team, made up of staff from a number of States departments, developed a way to provide accurate, timely and comprehensive medicines information to all partners caring for an individual after discharge from hospital. This reduced delayed discharge and drugs waste.
Value-for-Money Award – The Patient Food Service Project Team
For excellence in securing value-for-money and/or improving efficiency.
The winning team, involving representatives from across Health and Community Services, transformed the patient food service in the General Hospital, focusing on quality, increasing choice for patients, and reducing waste.
Rising Star Award – Henry Job
An outstanding Victoria College Prep teacher showing exceptional ability, dedication and promise. Henry (22) was described as ‘a vibrant member of his school team’, who ‘lights up the room and inspires others’. He was described by one parent as the 'best teacher in the universe'.
Customer Service Excellence Award – Gary Vibert and Paul Whiteside
For excellence in customer service.
Paramedic Gary and Ambulance Technician Paul were recognised for the kindness they showed when taking a patient on her final journey from the Hospital to the Jersey Hospice. The patient asked them to go via Victoria Avenue, so she could have a last view of the sea. Not only did the pair oblige, but they also pulled into a lay-by, opened the rear of the ambulance and helped her to sit up so she could see the sea and Elizabeth Castle.
Innovator of the Year Award – The Horticultural Therapy Group
For implementing a new idea that has really made a difference.
The winning group, from Health and Community Services’ Occupational Therapy Team, established a Horticultural Therapy Group on an unused piece of land for inpatients, patients in rehabilitation, and outpatients with physical or mental illness. Its aim is to get people outdoors, to encourage social interaction and to provide a focus on something other than their illness.
Community Champion Award – Jason Hamon
For outstanding contribution to the community or charitable work.
Jason is an Ambulance Operations Manager who also provides paramedic cover for a local charity at motoring events and many other island activities. He gives up around 580 hours a year to volunteer for the local charity Normandy Rescue, and also provides them with training and equipment.
Team of the Year Award – The Jersey Customs and Immigration Service Frontier Team (The Alphas)
Celebrating the spirit of working together.
The winning team is one of three Customs and Immigration Frontier teams that work at the Airport, Post Office and Harbours, as well as helping in other JCIS areas when applicable. They were rewarded for being a supportive team and achieving exceptional results despite a number of team members suffering bereavements and family illnesses during the year.
Manager of the Year Award – Paul Rendell
For great people management.
Paul received 23 staff nominations for this award. He is manager of Health and Community Services’ Adult Care Team and was described as an “exceptionally understanding, fair and supporting” team manager.
Employee of the Year Award – Angela Hall
For being a 'stand out' public servant.
Angela has worked for Health and Community Services for her entire career and in the last six years has worked with the Cardiology Team as an Arrhythmia Nurse Specialist. This summer she was RCN Nurse of the Year at the Royal College of Nursing’s national Nurse Awards, described as an “outstanding, passionate, dedicated and inspiring nurse and colleague”.
Special Award – The Jersey Youth Service.
Chosen by the Chief Executive from all the shortlisted finalists
Announcing the recipient of the final award of the night, Charlie Parker said: “The winner of this award represents the coming together of all that connects our island and its communities. It connects the government, our parishes, young people, those who are our future and those who need our help. They provide services throughout the year and have often ensured that many generations of islanders have benefited from their expertise, education and help.”
Speaking during the evening, Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, said: “In the past, some departments and organisations in the States have held their own award ceremonies and celebrations of achievement – and that’s to be commended. But it wasn’t universal. So the introduction of a States-wide celebration, honouring individuals and teams from across the whole of government, at all levels, is long overdue.
“Any organisation or business is only as good as its people. So it’s only right that those who go above and beyond what is expected of them, every single day, are recognised and celebrated.”
Chief Executive, Charlie Parker, said the awards were about celebrating the work that States employees do for islanders. He said: “The One Gov Awards are something we can all feel proud of. They have an important role to play in helping to build pride in our public sector, where we can make a difference and be recognised for doing so. I anticipate these awards will grow in the coming years, as the work of more public servants is recognised.”
gov.je