A new inclusion and diversity initiative has been launched in memory of an employment rights advocate who died in a hit-and-run collision in 2023.
Dean Lowe (48) was killed alongside his 11-year-old son Charlie in a high-speed collision on Rue de Fauvic in Grouville on 5 August 2023.
Mr Lowe spent 17 years working with local charity Jersey Employment Trust, which helps islanders with disabilities or long-term health conditions secure and sustain employment, before his tragic passing two years ago.
The charity launched its ambassadors’ programme at the Pomme d’Or Hotel today while paying tribute to its “greatest ambassador” Mr Lowe.
A “pressing need” for broader societal changes
JET explained that the Employment Engagement Manager “worked tirelessly” to raise awareness of the barriers faced by islanders with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
In a statement, the charity said: “More than anything, [Mr Lowe] wanted JET to be a household name, because it would make conversations with employers easier, open more doors, and ultimately be of benefit to our clients, many of whom continue to face barriers and stigma in the workplace.”
The new JET Ambassadors programme aims to continue Mr Lowe’s work by enlisting representatives from a range of industries to advocate for employment opportunities for people who might otherwise struggle to find work.
The statement continued: “Anyone can be an Ambassador for the charity, including employers, clients, former clients, and representatives of agencies we work with.
“Above all, Ambassadors will be passionate about what we do, about diversity and inclusion, and breaking down barriers in society.”
JET CEO Penny Shurmer said that, while the charity has made significant progress over the past two decades, more needs to be done to ensure equal access to employment.
“There is still a pressing need for broader societal changes to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has equal access to meaningful work opportunities,” she explained.
“Advocacy, policy reforms, and sustained efforts from both the government and private sectors are essential to create a truly inclusive society.”
“Diversity and inclusion need to be embedded in everyone’s recruitment strategy”
Ms Shurmer also encouraged employers to make JET their first point of contact when recruiting.
“When you are recruiting, call us first to see if we have clients who have the skills you need,” she said.
“We might not always be able to help – our clients change every week – but keep JET at the forefront of your mind for work experience and job opportunities.”
Mrs Shurmer added that long-term change would only come when diversity and inclusion were embedded in recruitment strategies rather than relying on individual champions within organisations.
“Diversity and inclusion in terms of disability needs to be embedded in everyone’s recruitment strategy,” she said.
“Too often our relationships rely on key individuals who share our vision, but the trail can go cold when that person moves from their role.
“If it is embedded in a company’s recruitment strategy and ethos, we will start shifting perspectives, one workplace at a time.”
The first group of JET Ambassadors includes Kenan Osborne, Kevin Lacey, Ana Cengic, Claire Reynard, Sue Gill, Hayley Routier, Kiley Henley, Tony Greed, and Express reporter Antonia Rubio.