24 January 2019
States of Jersey professionals who work to safeguard vulnerable children and adults have been recognised for their “outstanding contributions” at an awards ceremony.
Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, attended Jersey’s Safeguarding Partnership Board Awards, with some States Members, to celebrate the invaluable contribution, commitment and effort made by many States of Jersey employees who help to keep children and young people safe.
DC Alex Le Chevalier, of the States of Jersey Police, was awarded for her dedication to protecting children and young people and investigating reports of child abuse, both recent and historic, for over a decade. DC Le Chevalier has worked tirelessly over a number of years to engage and support vulnerable victims throughout investigations, including the court process.
Sue Smith, the Pastoral Lead at Janvrin School, received an award for working with children and families both at The Bridge and as a behaviour support assistant at the school. Despite the emotional and physical challenges Sue faces in her work with vulnerable children and families, she has been described as “positive and enthusiastic” with “no barrier too difficult to overcome” when it comes to her dedication to children. One child said: “Mrs Smith makes me shine”.
Educational Welfare Officer Ali Moffat, from Children, Young People, Educational and Skills, received an award for her inspirational and passionate drive to get safeguarding messages out to children and their parents. Ali has been a key part of driving the initiative – she has led the way in singing and dancing the PANTS message – and has championed the work with colleagues.
States of Jersey staff Kevin Hemmings, Alison Rogers, Jane Ferguson and Eleanor Green received a joint award after they went above and beyond to protect the wellbeing of a family to ensure that they were safeguarded and protected.
Cheryl Findlay, deputy safeguarding lead for Customer and Local Services, was awarded for her knowledge and willingness to share expertise from her mental health nursing background, which has made a significant difference to colleagues and customers.
A joint award was presented to a number of individuals from three agencies – Les Amis, Adult Social Work and the States of Jersey Police – who have demonstrated joint working to safeguard vulnerable adults. The team members brought different skills and experience and worked together in often highly complex and sensitive situations. Despite challenges and barriers, these individuals worked together and persisted to ensure that adults at risk of harm were safeguarded:
Les Amis
Terri O’Connor
Donna Ireland
Adult Social Work
Kate Proffitt
Paul Rendell
Monika Patel
Patrick Westwood
States of Jersey Police
Craig Jackson
Lynda McKenna
Lisa Buckley
Alasdair Castle
Caroline Foord
Jo Le Maistre
Nikki Billson
Rob Manners
Safeguarding Board Manager, Ruth Le Gresley, was awarded for being an ambassador for SPB Jersey and all agencies. Her work with partners across all organisations has been recognised by members of SPB, and she is widely respected across the sector for the work that she does.
And Glenys Johnston, Independent Chair of the Safeguarding Adult Partnership Board and the Safeguarding Children Partnership Board, received a special award for her outstanding contribution towards safeguarding in Jersey between 2013 and 2019. Mrs Johnston has strategically raised the profile of safeguarding in Jersey, thereby ensuring the island remains a safe place to live, work and visit.