The Government of Jersey is developing a new policy covering Public Servants’ conduct, including the compulsory declaration of second jobs.
The move follows last year’s controversy over the former head of the Public Service, Charlie Parker (pictured), accepting a non-executive director role with a United Kingdom firm.
In a statement, the Government said the review had been undertaken “to reflect the standards expected of all Public Servants” and that the Standards in Public Service policy would replace the Code of Conduct document in force since 2002.
Mr Parker stood down from his Public Service role following a backlash after it emerged that he was advising real-estate company, New River; he took up the directorship with New River the day after resigning.
According to the terms of Mr Parker’s Government contract, he was required to secure written approval for any such role but only gained verbal permission to accept the second job from Chief Minister, John Le Fondré.
A Government spokesperson said the new policy was due to be published by the end of June.
“The review of the Code of Conduct is being undertaken to reflect the standards expected of all Public Servants, within a modernising Public Service,” the spokesperson said.
The current 12-page document has a section on ‘Other Employment’, which states that it is “necessary to seek agreement from your manager in advance of taking up any additional employment”.
It continues: “Care must be taken in taking up any other employment or business that might give rise to a conflict of interest or reduce your ability to carry out your duties fully and effectively.”
St Helier, 30 April 2021
