Behaviour 'training' is a new low
Some will find it disappointing that the new Commissioner for Standards was not inclined to launch an investigation into alleged ‘bullying’ behaviour demonstrated by States members.
Women in Public Life put a sensible stake in the ground by highlighting the content of the ‘no confidence’ debate to Dr Melissa McCullough.
Dr McCullough was not keen to pursue an investigation, believing that both politicians and officers might now be hesitant to come forward. And undoubtedly, if there is any semblance of truth in the allegations, they were allowed to slide at the time because people turned the other cheek and let matters lie. But when standards are allowed to decline, raising them again can prove difficult.
However the most disappointing part of the Commissioner’s ideas has to be the one offering ‘training’ for States members on what are ‘inappropriate behaviours’. Has it really come to this? That someone can stand for election, be chosen, and be totally unaware of just how to behave in an office workplace or committee room setting?
But evidence of unpalatable behaviours are repeatedly circulating in the UK and Jersey. Our politics, sadly, are not unique.
So if this training does go ahead, the hope should be that it gives politicians and officers the knowledge, confidence and support to call out poor behaviours in the future.