External Relations Communications Officer (FOI)

Request

This request concerns the newly created position within the States of Jersey External Relations Department that has been variously referred to as a Communications Manager for External Relations, a States Press Officer for Brexit and a Public Relations Officer for Brexit.

Please supply the following in connection with this position:

A

The original notice used to advertise this vacancy in 2016 with the date of the notice;

B

The Job Description for this position which was published at the time when the vacancy was first advertised;

C

Evidence of any deliberations or correspondence that took place between the States Employment Board and the relevant Chief Officer or Minister in deciding whether to classify this position within External Relations as either a "politically eligible States' employee" or a "politically ineligible States' employee" pursuant to Part 5 of the Employment of States of Jersey Employees (Jersey) Law 2005 ("Political activities of States' Employees"), with particular reference to the four considerations stated in articles 32(3) and 33(3) of the said Law. These four considerations being as follows:

(a) the nature of the information to which the States’ employee has access;

(b) the degree to which the States’ employee is involved in the determination or deliberation of policy at a ministerial level;

(c) the extent, if any, to which the position requires the holder to regularly speak to members of the public on behalf of a Minister or a department or unit of administration; and

(d) the degree of contact that the States’ employee has with elected members of the States.

D

Confirmation, if not already included in (3) above, of whether this position within External Relations is currently classified as either a "politically eligible States' employee" or a "politically ineligible States' employee" for the purposes of Part 5 of the 2005 Law.

Response

A

The post was advertised on the Jobs in Jersey site on Gov.je between 20 October and 6 November 2016. It was also advertised in the JEP on 20 October 2016.

The advert stated:

The Ministry of External Relations is responsible for Jersey's external relationships, working to maintain and advance the Island’s constitutional, political, economic, cultural and environmental links with international partners. The Ministry’s aim is to promote and protect Jersey's positive international identity and external influence. Our main responsibilities include managing Jersey's relationships with other jurisdictions, working with States of Jersey Departments on external policy, and coordinating policy matters that have international implications.

The successful candidate will create, implement and oversee communications activity within the Ministry of External Relations, including extensive use of social media, to effectively promote Jersey’s international identity and protect its external interests. They will be responsible for coordination activity across government to ensure a joined-up and cohesive communications approach to External Relations issues.

The post holder will be educated to degree level and have at least two years’ relevant experience working in journalism, public relations or marketing.

B

Please see the Job Description below:

External Relations Communications Officer Job Description 20170403 (size 90.6)

C

(a) The role has access to information appropriate to the needs of the duties undertaken

(b) As a civil servant the role will advise ministers and senior civil servants in its area of responsibility.

(c) Given this role is a Communications Manager, it will engage with the public and other stakeholders in its area of responsibility

(d) As a civil servant the role will provide information either verbally or in writing to States members as necessary

The Communications Manager, within External Relations, is a grade 10 Civil Servant employee and has been classified within article 31(2) of the States of Jersey Employees (Jersey) Law 2005 as "politically eligible States' employee". We did not enter into any deliberations or correspondence with the States Employment Board and / or the relevant Chief Officer or Minister in deciding whether to classify this position, as in this instance it was not required.

As the employee is categorised as a “politically eligible States’ employee” the four considerations as stated in articles 32(3) and 33(3) within Part 5 of the Law are not considered relevant in this situation. But for clarity we have responded specifically.

D

Under current States of Jersey policy arrangements, some States employees are prevented under their terms and conditions of service agreements from taking part in political activities, whilst others are entitled to take part in such political activities. The Employees and office holders categorised as 'politically ineligible' are:

• Civil Servants graded 12 or above

• Crown Officers

• Educational, Technical, Secretarial and Support Officers graded 12 or above

• Head-Teachers and Deputy Head Teachers

• Police Officers

• Chief Officer and Area Managers of the Fire Service

• Prison Governor and Deputy Prison Governor

As this position is a grade 10 Civil Servant post, it is classified under the "politically eligible States' employee" category.