Nearly 60 vacancies remain across children’s residential homes, new figures have revealed, as the government launches a major recruitment campaign billed as a “turning point” for children’s services.
The response to a request made under the Freedom of Information Law showed there were 57.74 vacant posts in the government’s residential home workforce as of 30 April 2026, alongside 18 agency staff working in children’s homes. Staff turnover stood at 11.4%.
The government this week unveiled a new campaign to recruit more residential practitioners, describing it as part of a wider transformation of Children’s Services.
The campaign aims to attract more people into residential care roles by highlighting improved pay and conditions, training opportunities and career development, with the long-term goal of reducing reliance on agency workers and providing greater stability for children living in care.
The government is also investing in expanding and modernising Jersey’s residential estate as part of a £15 million “Loving Homes” campaign launched last year.
Children’s Minister Richard Vibert said: “This is a real turning point for how we care for children in Jersey.
“We know that strong, stable relationships are at the heart of good care, and that starts with having the right people in our homes. Residential practitioners are at the heart of all our homes.”
The campaign includes a promotional video featuring actors alongside real Children’s Services staff and forms part of a broader programme of reform intended to improve outcomes for children in care.
Children, Young People and Families Services director Donna Marriott said the government was looking for people “who are committed and ready to make a difference”.
She added: “It’s not always easy work, but it is incredibly rewarding. By investing in our workforce and creating the right conditions for staff to thrive, we can build loving homes where children feel safe, valued, and able to reach their full potential.”
Trainee residential practitioners can apply without formal qualifications, provided they have experience working with young people and a genuine passion for supporting children.
Successful applicants will receive training and development opportunities.
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Opportunities are advertised on the government’s careers site, with salaries ranging from £44,974 to £74,307.
