The appointment will be subject to States approval of the Employment and Equal Opportunities Service (Guernsey) Law, 2023 which is likely to be considered by the States in April 2023. The appointment will initially be made on a designate basis until the Law comes into force.
When appointed, the Director will be a public office holder and will be responsible for carrying out various statutory and non-statutory functions to ensure the new anti-discrimination laws are adhered to.
Pictured: The States passed anti-discrimination legislation last year with support from many people in the community.
Deputy Peter Roffey, President of the Committee for Employment & Social Security, said:
“This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about employment relations and equality and inclusion to make a real difference in our community. The Director will have an important role to play in promoting equal opportunities and working towards the elimination of discrimination, as well as improving employment relations and working towards the elimination of unlawful employment practices.”
This position will replace an existing full-time post in the Employment Relations Service (ERS) team, which will transfer to the EEOS.
EEOS will provide the same advisory and conciliation services in relation to employment and workplace issues as the current ERS team. The remit of the EEOS will also extend beyond the field of employment when the Prevention of Discrimination Ordinance enters into force on 1 October 2023. From that date, individuals will be able to challenge alleged incidents of discrimination on a wider range of protected grounds (i.e. disability, carer status, sexual orientation, race and religion or belief) and, with respect to the new grounds, in a wider range of contexts (i.e. in the provision of goods and services, education, accommodation and membership of clubs and associations, as well as in employment).