It had been reported that a reminder had been sent to some civil servants warning them about expressing their personal opinions on social media ahead of this week’s States debate on GST.
Mr Smillie said he knew nothing about the communication issued and why it had been.
‘However, I have this morning established where I believe it came from,' he said on Saturday. 'While I would rather it had not been sent, I believe it was done with the best of intentions.’
He confirmed that no formal warning had been issued to all staff and that none would be.
Mr Smillie said he did not support any approach that seeks to silence staff from expressing their views.
‘Public sector staff have the same right as any other member of the community to hold and express opinions, provided they do so professionally, respectfully and in line with well-established guidance such as the civil service code,’ he said. ‘I trust our staff to understand their responsibilities and exercise appropriate judgement.’
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