22 September 2023
Over 400 public servants gathered at the Royal Jersey Showground for
Jersey’s Public Service Awards 2023.
The ‘Our Stars’ awards ceremony recognises and celebrates the achievements of those dedicated
public servants. It is an opportunity to both highlight and reflect on the work within the
organisation and the impact it has on the Island.
The ‘Super Star’ award, the most coveted prize, was awarded to all States employees who
responded to last year’s major incidents (the maritime tragedy off the coast of St Ouen, the
explosion at Pier Road, and the flooding at Grands Vaux this January).
A video was played to the audience that commemorated the resilience of the public servants who
approached the major incidents with diligence in rescue, search, investigation, and recovery. This
was followed by a minute’s applause to acknowledge those who have been affected by the events.
The prestigious ‘Employee of the Year’ was awarded to Evelina Czachor, a Social Worker in the
Adult Social Care team in Health and Community Services. Evelina provides holistic care to
individuals during challenging and traumatic times. Evelina also mentors social work trainees,
enabling them to deliver excellent care to the community. Her role allows her to work cross-departmentally with Customer and Local Services on issues related to Long Term Care and benefits.
Manager of the Year went to Jenny Posner, Samarès School’s headteacher. While leading the
school through recent changes, Jenny has introduced focus groups, valuing the input of others in
her decision making. Her duties extend to helping out in the classroom, covering lunch breaks and
driving the minibus.
A special award recognises the tenacity of States employees and their notable mark within the
public service. This ‘Rising Star’ was awarded to Alex Forrest in the Infrastructure and Environment
department. Not only is Alex working full-time but she’s also pursuing a master’s degree in
Transport Planning and Engineering to enhance her knowledge for the Government and the
community.
Other categories and winners included Magistrate’s Court Greffe team in ‘Customer Service
Excellence,’ the Infection Sciences team as ‘Sustainability Champions,’ Christopher Curran-Vieira
for ‘Allyship in Diversity,’ Marine Resources, Law Officers Team in ‘Working in Partnership,’
Leanne Le Feuvre as ‘Wellbeing Champion’, Ruth Huish as ‘Volunteer of the Year,’ the Family
Court team as ‘Innovation Champions’, and Animal by Products for ‘Team of the Year.’
Connétable Andy Jehan, vice-chair of the States Employment Board, said: “The Our Stars
Awards is an excellent opportunity to recognise the achievements of public servants and the work
they do to foster a more sustainable, healthier, and safer future for Islanders.
“It’s important for us to take the time to acknowledge the fantastic work that is carried out behind
the scenes and on the front line for the benefit of our Island. There has been a lot of work which
the public service has been involved in during the last 12 months that we can look back on with
pride.
“Over the past year, we have faced many unforeseen challenges, notably the tragic events of the
Haut du Mont explosion, the L’Ecume II maritime disaster, and the Grand Vaux flooding, so I was
delighted when the ‘Super Star’ award was given to States employees who responded to those
events with compassion and professionalism.
“We will never forget the profound impact these incidents had, and still have, on our community
and will always remember the lives and homes lost during those events.”
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