A DECISION to spend £11,500 of public money on an awards ceremony for government HR staff has been described as “regrettable” by the outgoing Chief Minister.
Deputy Kristina Moore was asked during question time in the States Assembly yesterday about the Personnel Today awards, which saw a party of ten employees travel to London to attend a gala presentation evening.
The total cost – which included entry fees, flights, hotel bills and £4,000 for a table at the event – was spelled out in a freedom-of-information response.
Referring to the reaction from Islanders, Deputy Moore said: “I recognise the public response and have no doubt this will be taken into account when similar decisions are taken in future.
“It was regrettable and I’m sure it will not happen again.”
The Chief Minister said that the decision to authorise the investment had been taken by former chief people and transformation officer Mark Grimley, who left the civil service soon after the event in November.
Deputy Lyndsay Feltham questioned the value for money that would be achieved by such an exercise, while Deputy Moz Scott described it as a “jolly” and a “self-congratulatory exercise”.
Deputy Moore said she believed it was important to recognise the hard work and dedication of government employees.
