Email disclaimer (FOI)

​Request

I have noticed in the subject footer from emails received from States of Jersey staff it states the following: Contract: This email does not form any binding agreement unless it is supported by an official States of Jersey purchase order form. Can you explain to me what this means?

Response

This wording is added to emails to ensure that the external recipient is aware that any exchange of information will not create a legally binding agreement or contract that can be relied upon in law, unless a Purchase Order has been issued (which defines the Government of Jersey standard terms and conditions). This is included to prevent misunderstanding in what constitutes a contract.

An example may include where an employee is enquiring about a product price from a supplier and advises that they are likely to purchase a number of items. The email instruction is not valid unless an official purchase order is issued to accompany the email confirmation.