Confusion over Heritage Director's sudden exit

Tuesday 31 July 2018

Confusion surrounds the sudden departure of one of Jersey Heritage’s senior directors, with staff told he would be leaving the organisation with immediate effect after seven years.

Heritage workers were informed last week that Commercial Operations Director Jeremy Swetenham was no longer working there, and had not been required to work his notice period.

Since 2011, he had been responsible for helping grow the organisation, identifying new commercial opportunities, and managing the charity's Patron Scheme.

But on Wednesday, his sudden departure was announced to Heritage employees, without advance warning or reason.

A staff-wide email from HR Director Allison Soulsby, which was shared confidentially with Express, read: "I am sure that by now most of you will be aware that Jeremy left the employment of Jersey Heritage yesterday and it has been agreed that he will not be required to work his notice."

Pictured: Jersey Heritage is responsible for looking after the island's heritage assets, including Gorey Castle.

The email confirmed that his leaving may cause "a few short term challenges", but added that his responsibilities would be transferred to other members of the Senior Management Team.

The news has since raised questions among some Heritage staff - many of whom remain unclear on the reason behind Mr Swetenham's abrupt exit.

Approached by Express, Jersey Heritage declined to comment on Mr Swetenham's seven years of service or the circumstances of his departure. "Jersey Heritage is unable to comment," a spokesperson said.

Mr Swetenham would not clarify why he had left Jersey Heritage either, simply stating: "The job I was employed to do is done."

However, he added that it had been "a fantastic seven years at Jersey Heritage" and that it was "time for fresh challenges."

The Eton and Royal Military Academy Sandhurst graduate joined the charity, which is responsible for looking after the island's heritage assets and main museum, after working for a number of internet and telecommunications companies. He also served as the former Branchage Film Festival's Chairman.

A biography provided by the Jersey International Centre of Advanced Studies (JICAS) says Mr Swetenham was responsible for a 30% increase in Jersey Heritage's self-generated revenue (admissions, fundraising, lettings venue and retail) and increasing membership "from 1% to 9% of the Jersey population in two and a half years."

It added: "Jeremy’s “university vision” is to create an academic and cultural environment for Jersey that attracts the best and most creative, and makes knowledge an export industry."