The States of Guernsey has started the recruitment process to find the island’s first Director of the Employment and Equal Opportunities Service.
This position will replace an existing full-time post in the Employment Relations Service (ERS) team, which will transfer to the Employment and Equal Opportunities Service (EEOS). The Director will be a public office holder and will be responsible for carrying out various statutory and non-statutory functions.
The appointment is 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.
EEOS will provide the same high-quality 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 1st 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).
The Director will not be an employee of the States of Guernsey. Rather, they will be appointed by the States, on recommendation from the Committee for Employment & Social Security, under a contract for services. This is to guarantee operational independence when managing employment-related and discrimination-related complaints which might involve the States of Guernsey.
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.”
A detailed job description, remuneration, working hours and conditions will be agreed with the successful applicant.
