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It has been recommended that taxpayers should continue to fund an awards night for civil servants which last year cost the public more than £66,000.
The Government’s ‘Our Stars’ awards first hit headlines in 2022 when it emerged that around £4,000 of public money was spent on gold envelopes and pin badges given to the winners.
While 83% of event costs were covered by sponsorship from Jersey businesses in 2022, the States Employment Board decided that the 2023 awards would be funded internally.
The 2023 iteration of the awards saw more than £66,000 drawn from the public purse to cover the Our Stars event at the Royal Jersey Showground in Trinity.
The latest States Employment Board report, published today, recommended that internal funding for the finale continues in 2024.
Pictured: The latest States Employment Board report, published today, recommended that internal funding for the Our Stars finale continues in 2024.
The reasons for not pursuing external sponsorship for the Our Stars awards are explained in the report, which said: "This [decision] is part of us demonstrating to our employees that they are clearly valued and to reduce any perceived conflicts arising from commercial sponsorship.
"Feedback from employees participating at the event about this decision was universally positive, with widespread comments about how the event felt more personal, more about our people and our organisation."
The report added: "The Board is fully supportive of continuing with Our Stars, with appreciation that this is one of a number of ways to demonstrate thanks and appreciation for the contributions of colleagues, to show that we truly value efforts, and to help build morale and pride in public service."
The 2023 Our Stars awards night marked the largest and most successful event to date, the report added.
There were 1,700 nominations across 11 categories, an increase of around 300 from 2022, with the new 'Wellbeing Champion' category being garnering 63 nominations and 'Allyship in Diversity' category receiving 46 nominations.
The States Employment Board Annual Report for 2023 was signed off by Vice-Chair Deputy Malcolm Ferey, but most of its content relates to the previous board make-up before a vote of no confidence prompted a re-shuffle in January.
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