TAXPAYERS will continue to fund an annual awards event for civil servants which typically racks up bills of thousands of pounds, a new report has revealed.
The government’s “Our Stars” awards first hit headlines in 2022, when a freedom-of-information request revealed that around £4,000 was spent on gold envelopes and pin badges given to the winners.
The 2023 iteration of the awards saw more than £66,000 drawn from the public purse to cover the event at the Royal Jersey Showground in Trinity.
While 83% of event costs were covered by sponsorship from Jersey businesses in 2022, the States Employment Board decided that the 2023 awards would be funded internally.
The latest SEB report, published yesterday, revealed that it had been recommended that internal funding for the finale continues this year.
The report said: “This [decision not to pursue external sponsorship] is part of us demonstrating to our employees that they are clearly valued and to reduce any perceived conflicts arising from commercial sponsorship.
“Feedback from employees participating at the event about this decision was universally positive, with widespread comments about how the event felt more personal, more about our people and our organisation.”
The report added: “The board is fully supportive of continuing with Our Stars, with appreciation that this is one of a number of ways to demonstrate thanks and appreciation for the contributions of colleagues, to show that we truly value efforts, and to help build morale and pride in public service.”
The 2023 event marked the largest and most successful event to date, the report added.
There were 1,700 nominations across 11 categories, an increase of around 300 from 2022, with the new Wellbeing Champion category receiving 63 nominations and the Allyship in Diversity category receiving 46 nominations.
