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A probe into whether senior States officials have been leaking information to the media has been launched by the new States Communications Director, Express has learned.
A source within the States said that former Labour adviser Stephen Hardwick – one of new States Chief Charlie Parker’s four UK ‘Transition Team’ members – instigated the work email investigation due to an alleged incident of confidential information being shared with members of the press.
If evidence of such a breach can be found, it would be in contravention of the civil servants’ code of conduct, which workers sign up to when they commence employment within the government. It stipulates that they must maintain strict confidentiality over any information obtained during their duties.
Contacted by Express, States officials would not confirm or deny the investigation or the nature of the alleged breach(es), but simply stated:“It is not best practice for organisations to disclose whether or not an internal disciplinary investigation is underway. Many such investigations result in no action, and any action taken is part of a confidential disciplinary process. Furthermore, we do not comment on supposed leaks.”
Such breaches are “investigated internally, by the relevant manager,” they said.
“It is recognised best practice that workplace investigations should remain confidential,”the spokesperson added.
Pictured: Mr Hardwick was employed as one of Charlie Parker's Transition Team.
The news comes after it was announced that an extra £300,000 would be poured into government PR team improvements, just months after £120,000 was allocated for four new States communications officers.
Mr Hardwick – a former Labour Party adviser and HMRC Director of Corporate Communications – will spearhead that new team, retained on a top civil service salary of more than £100,000.
He tweeted six times in under 48 hours to advertise the new roles, which are open to both islanders and those abroad, writing on Friday: “It’s sunny and warm in St Helier, so do something positive this weekend and apply to join Jersey’s new government comms team. Come on in; the water’s lovely.”
13 roles are being sought in total, including six leadership roles, across areas including media liaison, internal communications with the States’ 7,500 staff, and marketing and design.
We’ve got great roles in Jersey’s new government comms team:
— Stephen Hardwick (@stevehardwick) May 17, 2018
media – internal – marketing – design – digital – government Departments. Join us and help transform public services to 100,000 islanders. https://t.co/4ZrUW87l5p
“Our Communications Group will create a compelling narrative to explain what’s changing. Using audience insights and modern comms disciplines, we’ll drive innovative, multi-channel, objectives-based internal and external campaigns.
“This is an unrivalled opportunity to be part of something genuinely meaningful – in the biggest organisation in the island. In fact, there’s no greater challenge for comms professionals in Jersey,” the ‘Team Jersey’ brand job listing website read.
Mr Hardwick said that eight applications were received within the first day of advertising.
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