Staff who keep the Island’s drains clear and a housekeeping team who cleaned the hospital during Covid were among the Government of Jersey workers have been honoured at a special ceremony.
The annual Our Stars Awards which celebrate excellence in public service were held at the Trinity Showground where the winners were announced in 10 categories, along with an overall ‘Our Superstar’ award.
The winners of the Our Superstar award were the Drainage Design and Operations Team (pitured) who are responsible for keeping Jersey’s drains clear. Before receiving their award the team were played a surprise, congratulatory video from the Himalayas, where their manager Ross Fearnley was paragliding.
Announcing the award, the Chief Minister, Deputy Kristina Moore, said: “This team touches everyone in this room, their work impacts our families, our friends and indeed anyone who visits the Island. They are the very definition of “unsung heroes”.
“The team has worked painstakingly hard in all weathers to make significant improvements to our infrastructure and to keep our Island running. Their efforts have reduced energy usage and the risks of contamination of the environment.”
In a record-breaking year for nominations there were 1,048 individual members of staff and 363 teams put forward for awards by their colleagues.
Among the other winners were the Housekeeping Team from Health and Community Services, who kept the hospital and other premises clean during the Covid outbreak. They won the Team of the Year award.
The winners of the 10 awards were:
- Employee of the Year – Samanth Rawlinson, a Police Coroner’s officer in Justice and Home Affairs
- Manager of the Year – Carly Lucas, Jersey Domestic Abuse Support Manager in Justice and Home Affairs
- Team of the Year – The House Keeping Team in Health and Community Services
- Customer Excellence – Marcia Luis a Welcome Host in Customer and Local Services
- Volunteer of the Year – Micki Swift a Childhood Studies Tutor at Highlands College
- Innovation Award – Kierra Myles a Mentor in Children, Young People, Education and Skills
- Working in Partnership – Commissioning and Service Redesign Team in Children, Young People, Education and Skills
- Rising Star – Gemma Atherley, an Assistant Economist in the Department for the Economy
- Diversity and Inclusion – Martin Davies a Detective Sergeant in the Public Protection Unit
- Sustainability – Jo Spybey, Head of Business Support in the Chief Operating Office
Speaking at the event, Chief Executive of the Government of Jersey, Suzanne Wylie, said: “What I’ve loved most about my time here so far has been witnessing first-hand the hard work, passion, dedication and pride displayed by Jersey’s public servants, from across a wonderful mix of services and professions.
“It’s so great to see so many of you here representing so many different teams from across all Government departments. You really are the best of Jersey.
“This evening is a chance to celebrate your achievements, to recognise our future talent, to appreciate your hard work, and, most importantly, it’s about saying a big thank you.”
The event costs were covered by sponsorship from Jersey businesses. The Platinum sponsors were Dandara, Deloitte and EY.
Photo credit: Paul Wright
