Our People Series: Recent Episodes
Government of Jersey
What does it really mean to work for Jersey’s Government? Our public servants keep the Island running on a day-to-day basis working around the clock - from our hospital, schools and roads, to policy and technology, and all manner of work in between. We touch so many aspects of Islanders’ lives, but what do you really know about the people behind the services? In this series, we get to know more about our Government of Jersey employees – what drives them and why they’ve chosen their particular careers.
‘In this Episode we hear from Denise Drieu, Programme Director for the inclusion review implementation project for Children, Young People, Education and Skills. Denise has worked for Government of Jersey for 33 years across various departments, predominantly in HR roles and organisation wide transformation projects. Denise has witnessed and been a part of many of the changes which has transformed how we work and shares her experience of working both in the specific departments and more corporately. We find out where her passion for diversity and inclusion was ignited, and about the people that have inspired Denise along the way. We discuss flexible working , lifelong learning, the gender pay gap, and reflect on GoJ CEO’s that stood out to Denise during her time in Government.
Maria explains how despite working in a predominantly male environment she never felt discriminated against due to her sex or ethnic diversity… until later in her career where she experienced the glass ceiling effect. Maria decided to take control of her own destiny and and started looking for opportunities in the public sector.
From RAF bases with Tornado and Harriet aircrafts, to working on technologies that prevented the Westminster British bombings (7th July 2005) from bringing further devastation, Maria then went on to embark on a role as Digital Transformation Director for Westminster City Counsel. Here she was responsible for the role out of an improved digital and customer strategy across three boroughs that made a hugely positive impact on social housing, social care and children's services. Since joining Government of Jersey Maria’s team played a pivotal role in the island's successful response to Covid19 and were the winners of the public service sustainability award in the 2021 Our Stars ceremony. In her spare time Maria volunteers for Durrel Wildlife as a ranger and was one of the founding members of the GoJ IWILL committee, inspiring women into leadership and learning.
Maria explains how despite working in a predominantly male environment she never felt discriminated against due to her sex or ethnic diversity… until later in her career where she experienced the glass ceiling effect. Maria decided to take control of her own destiny and and started looking for opportunities in the public sector.
From RAF bases with Tornado and Harriet aircrafts, to working on technologies that prevented the Westminster British bombings (7th July 2005) from bringing further devastation, Maria then went on to embark on a role as Digital Transformation Director for Westminster City Counsel. Here she was responsible for the role out of an improved digital and customer strategy across three boroughs that made a hugely positive impact on social housing, social care and children's services. Since joining Government of Jersey Maria’s team played a pivotal role in the island's successful response to Covid19 and were the winners of the public service sustainability award in the 2021 Our Stars ceremony. In her spare time Maria volunteers for Durrel Wildlife as a ranger and was one of the founding members of the GoJ IWILL committee, inspiring women into leadership and learning.
Sadie Ruellan was studying towards her degree in childhood studies when she started working for Government of Jersey. The chaos of Covid19 resulted in Sadie working on multiple different projects, in different roles, and in different departments within her first 6 months. This included the CRESS project that provided support to islanders living in Jersey for less than five years at the time of the covid outbreak, working for the Ministerial Support Unit, and as part of the One Gov Covid Response Team. Sadie was nominated for her work at this time by multiple people in the organisation and was shortlisted as a finalist for the Rising Stars Award. Having discovered a passion for project work and public service, Sadie took up a permanent position as Business Improvement Consultant for Government of Jersey. It was in this role that Sadie had the idea to create People Bot. We find out more about the persona behind People Bot, what she can support staff with, how she supports our organisation in identifying areas for improvement, and People Bot plans to expand her forces, creating a network of bots in the future and potentially a Gov Bot for the public.
Sadie Ruellan was studying towards her degree in childhood studies when she started working for Government of Jersey. The chaos of Covid19 resulted in Sadie working on multiple different projects, in different roles, and in different departments within her first 6 months. This included the CRESS project that provided support to islanders living in Jersey for less than five years at the time of the covid outbreak, working for the Ministerial Support Unit, and as part of the One Gov Covid Response Team. Sadie was nominated for her work at this time by multiple people in the organisation and was shortlisted as a finalist for the Rising Stars Award. Having discovered a passion for project work and public service, Sadie took up a permanent position as Business Improvement Consultant for Government of Jersey. It was in this role that Sadie had the idea to create People Bot. We find out more about the persona behind People Bot, what she can support staff with, how she supports our organisation in identifying areas for improvement, and People Bot plans to expand her forces, creating a network of bots in the future and potentially a Gov Bot for the public.
Jodie le Marquand, who studied Ecology and The Environment at Sussex University which took her on various adventures around the globe; from Sussex, Yorkshire, and Devon, to Portugal, Ecuador and Zambia; shares with us her experiences of working in Parrot conservation in Costa Rica and alongside charities such as ‘Greenpeace’ and ‘Friends of the Earth’ In London. Jodie then returned to Jersey to take up a position as Assistant Policy Officer focusing on sustainability. Jodie describes how rewarding and impactful policy work can be, and how working for Government of Jersey can provide you with greater exposure to various workstreams than in other jurisdictions. We learn more about how the Carbon Neutral Roadmap was developed using a people powered approach, the various consultations that took place, the fact that this was the second largest responded to survey Jersey has ever seen, and some of the key policies implemented and how they can support our community in achieving carbon neutrality.
Jodie le Marquand, who studied Ecology and The Environment at Sussex University which took her on various adventures around the globe; from Sussex, Yorkshire, and Devon, to Portugal, Ecuador and Zambia; shares with us her experiences of working in Parrot conservation in Costa Rica and alongside charities such as ‘Greenpeace’ and ‘Friends of the Earth’ In London. Jodie then returned to Jersey to take up a position as Assistant Policy Officer focusing on sustainability. Jodie describes how rewarding and impactful policy work can be, and how working for Government of Jersey can provide you with greater exposure to various workstreams than in other jurisdictions. We learn more about how the Carbon Neutral Roadmap was developed using a people powered approach, the various consultations that took place, the fact that this was the second largest responded to survey Jersey has ever seen, and some of the key policies implemented and how they can support our community in achieving carbon neutrality.
Christian May has been a champion for change in Jersey for many years and has similarly created platforms for voices of our community to be heard throughout his various roles. In this episode we learn how Christians passion for our island steered him towards a career in public service, how charitable volunteering supported him in developing greater skills that have supported him on his journey, his reflections on the very first Pride march to take place in Jersey, and the rollercoaster journey he has been on since joining Government over the past 5 years responding to Brexit, Covid19 and just as he thought he might catch his breath; the war between Russia and Ukraine. Christian is now studying towards his Masters in public administration to enhance his contribution towards our public service.
Dr. Tim du Feu tells us about his work across the globe as an environmentalist, specialising in fisheries. We journey from the Far-East, Greenland studying the Arctic Char, Thailand and Guyana and learn about his work with the British and German Governments in their Technical Aid programmes in Southern Tanzania and Northern Nigeria and many other destinations. We find out what drew Tim back to the island, how the skills he developed in natural resources transferred to working on the Jersey Census, and his current work in Natural Environment. Tim uses the knowledge gained from his experiences working with communities and traditional rulers around the globe to help shape our services believing ‘everyone has a value, everyone has an idea and that the key is to listen’. Current projects include working with Island farmers to improve nitrates and pesticides in our water, understanding the historic PFAS pollution in water around the airport, implementing the new Wildlife Law, developing countryside access network, habitat restoration on the north coast using Manx longhorn sheep and working with the Ecrehous Residents Association to protect breeding Terns.
In this episode we find out more about the future of Government of Jerseys Community and Volunteering initiatives, but first we get to know our guests who are intrinsically involved in launching these initiatives; Tom Martin Hughes, GoJ Talent Programmes, and Paul McGinnety, Director for Local Services. Tom Martin Hughes, the first young person in jersey to be awarded the prestigious Diana awards tells us about how community projects have always been a big part of his life. We find out about Toms work in HCS in Jersey, hosting the Princess Diana Awards, being styled by Gucci and how he went on to having a day named after him in Texas. Tom then takes over this episode as Host where we hear from Paul about the fascinating role and scope that comes with being the Director of Local Services. An area of government that impacts the whole of our community and is strongly connected with the third-party sector. Paul shares his career journey, how community spirit in the island was strengthened by the Covid19 pandemic and why giving something back is important to our employees, our community and to the government as an employer and role model for other organisations. We find out more about the Government of Jerseys Community and Volunteering Initiatives, how to embrace these and how they might also be used as a development tool.
Garreth Saunders is an Advanced Paramedic Manager whose role is pivotal in supporting Jersey Ambulance Services contribution to delivering the Jersey Care model. Clearly attracted to highly stressful vocations, Garreth takes us on his career journey from selling Jeans at school, to working in social care, the royal marines, and in close protection for royal families overseas and high-profile clients closer to home. Gareth worked on the front line for UK ambulance services during the pandemic and compares this with his experiences overseas in close protection. He shares some key messages and reflections with us during this episode, where we touch on PTSD, stress responses, resilience, and wellbeing.
Rhiannon Small is the first women to fulfil a senior manager role in Government of Jerseys Customs and Immigration department, paving the way for others to follow in her footsteps. In this episode Rhiannon, IWILL steering group member who champions the positives of flexible and inclusive working, reflects on the significant mentors and role models that have impacted her journey and shares how being driven by what she loves has supported Rhiannon in carving out her career.
An ambassador for the IWILL mentoring programme, Rhiannon was previously matched with and mentored by Paul Martin, Interim CEO, in 2021 and this year has registered as a mentor to support and guide fellow colleagues on their journey.
Donna Beadle, Acting Head of Talent, talks to us about how the first GoJ wide intern programme which launched in summer 2021, came to fruition, the selection process and what our hopes are for the next intake this summer. We then hear from Emily Grace and Charles who we interviewed in Summer 2021 about their intern experience with us. Emily, former head girl for JCG, gained experience in Jersey General Hospital where she was able to observe in theatre and develop a report on Jersey’s approach to Covid19 vaccinations for under 18s. Charles got his teeth in the complexities of Customer Experience and continuous improvement strategies within Government of Jersey.
Janet Hall and Collins Shambare join us in this episode to tell us more about the diversity networks that are being launched or are already established within Government of Jersey. We find out a little bit more about both Janet’s and Collins’s experience in setting up and establishing these networks and what they hope these networks will bring to our organisation, and our island. To find out more about Government of Jerseys Diversity networks please visit www.ourpeople.je or you can email DEI@gov.je
In this episode we find out what attracted Jonathan Van Neste, a law graduate and qualified solicitor, to the public sector where he is now a senior policy advisor. Jonathan talks about the diversity of employment opportunities available within the public sector, why it appealed to him, the greater impact one can have being a civil servant in a policy role as opposed to the private sector, and his current role which sees him pursuing an extremely broad range of digital economy policy objectives from engagement with Meta (Facebook) and brining Instagram Reels to the Island, to the creation of new laws to allow for the use of new technologies.
Laura spent 10 years specialising and building experience in the UK before the right opportunity became available in Jersey. We find out about the benefits dieticians have on patient recovery, and how the pandemic has impacted eating disorders looking at the psychosocial aspects of eating.
Paul Wylie, Group Director of Policy for Government of Jersey, talks to us about how his experience of ‘failure’ has influenced his leadership approach. Paul had previously worked projects in the UK that set out to encourage illegal immigrants to volunteer to return home rather than face arrest. Paul reflects on this time and shares his views on how empowering staff to take measured risks and appreciate failures as opportunities can result in a growth mindset and can be good for business.
Alessio Agostini, Consultant Chartered and Registered Psychologist, Honorary Visiting Research Fellow and Consultant Clinical Psychologist for Jersey’s Pain Clinic, tells us of his career journey, from paratrooper, to chef, to clinical psychologist. We talk about the challenge’s psychology students face in finding employment in their chosen field, and reflect on the impact the pandemic has had on our own experience.
From filing checks at Barclays, business development in America, to overseeing the day-to-day administration and operational functions of Government of Jersey, John Quinn, Chief Operating Officer for the Government of Jersey, walks us through his career journey where we explore the significance of risk taking and networking to move up the ladder.
After failing his GCSE’s at school, Rob Sainsbury, Managing Director for Health and Community Services, talks us through where his passion for nursing began and how he moved up the ladder to the position he is in today. We hear about Robs experience with gender and age bias throughout his journey.
Julie Mesney, Head of ‘Nurses & Midwives’ and ‘Allied Healthcare Professionals’ Education at Jersey General Hospital, shares with us her story of 40 years in health care. Whilst working full time and raising two children, Julie has gone on to complete a degree and masters degree and has since introduced a range of training programmes to the island, supporting the development of our future health care professionals. Hear about multiple health related on island vocational training programmes, Julie’s advice on how to manage change, and the support network needed to balance both work and family life to be successful in your career.
Georgia, winner of the Rising Star of the Year Awards in 2019 Talks to us about her journey from project trident student stamping gluten free vouchers in the Social Security Department, to a Continuous Improvement Practitioner involved in the complete transformation of services. Georgia has been pivotal in the successful delivery of many projects during the Covid19 pandemic which made the Customer and Local Services department accessible to customers and made sure that those who most needed financial support received it. Georgia talks to us about her career progression so far, challenges along the way, becoming a Prince 2 Practitioner and, of course, her experience of the One Gov Awards, both as a winner and then as a judge.
Tim Daniels, Director for Jersey Property Holdings, shares the story of how he left the Royal Marines after 24 years to eventually join the public sector in Jersey. Find out what it is about public service that appeals to ex-military personnel, key skills, and attributes that Tim developed through his time in the Royal Marines that have supported him in his career since, which currently includes a broad range of responsibilities, from taking care of our Island’s castles and German bunkers through to our bus shelters and public toilets.
Mark Grimley, Director for People and Corporate Services, and Sarah Goodwin, Associate Director and Head of Organisational Development share with us their vision for the Government of Jersey People Strategy, what’s being implemented to support the development and the experience of Government of Jersey employees, and what this means for the future of our organisation and our people.
Specialist Cardiac Nurse, Angela Hall, who was recognised nationally for her work in cardiology, talks about the challenges of introducing a new drug to the Island and what it takes to transform patient care and how she drastically reduced waiting times in a matter of months. Angela, who is also a mother of two, talks about her lifelong learning journey, the challenges of studying towards a PHD on-Island and her experience of winning the RCNi Nurse of the Year Award where she met Khaleesi from Games of Thrones.
Skills Jersey’s Operations Manager, Stuart Penn, tells us about going from being an ‘overweight’ amputee in his youth to becoming a fourth degree black belt in Tae Kwondo. Stuart worked in the stunts industry and as a military trainer before taking up a career in the Government of Jersey working with long-term unemployed people whose confidence he compares to those who have suffered life changing injuries. Stuart’s role sees him working on Island-wide skills strategies, the trackers apprenticeship programme, careers fairs and many other opportunity and careers based initiatives - but Stuart still finds time for his hobbies; fighting in a 12 hour Grapplethons, and being flown out to open the Jui Jitsu world championships in Abu Dhabi.
Sophia Campbell, host for the people series, introduces our first guest, Sarah Goodwin, Associate Director and Head of the Organisational Development Team for the Government of Jersey. We start by introducing the series and what to expect, and then at 8 minutes in we dive in to Sarah’s career journey from the Work, Family and Pensions department in the UK, through to organisational transformation working with tribes in Swaziland, leading projects in China, and making her way to join us here in Jersey.