Why aren't top positions going to locals first?
IT SEEMS just a very short while ago there was an uproar in the island as once again a UK senior servant was being employed over a local person who was at the time suitable for that post. Many viewed their disgust at the time of this situation, which unfortunately happens so often now. The reference is of course to the news that the College of Further Education principal is to quit her post due to frustration of decision-making within our education governing system. We also see comments from ex-deputy Richard Conder trying to explain to the media and public his reasons also why the frustration is here. If someone out there can understand anything he commented on then they will be cleverer than most of us.
Here we go again, we seem to always be employing UK personnel who, in the end, no matter what is explained, are not suitable.
In this case, admitted by him in his statement, Mr Conder was involved in this principal's appointment and as most remember over a suitable vice-principal who could have taken the job at the time. Yet we also see Mr Conder leaving the island to take up the post of chairman of the Board of Governors at Bournemouth University. He did quote that he had been involved in many senior appointments in the past, so what happened to this one as stated an exceptional leader?
Just remember Mr Conder was also on the last Education committee which the Guernsey public had no confidence in.
What is quite concerning is that Mr Conder will continue as an advisor on the Guernsey Board in higher education – oh dear – and remember he was part of the system causing the frustration.
Let's hope that the search for Ms Famili's successor will be successful but, meanwhile, we do have the vice-principal, Louise Misselke, waiting in the wings.
How much does it cost the taxpayer in continually employing people from the UK? Millions, we know.
As for Education, let's hope the new States deputies Paul Le Pelley, Carl Meerveld, David De Lisle, Andrea Dudley-Owen and Marc Leadbeater will do a better job than the last committee ousted; do they really have the power to step in on these appointments or is this situation out of anyone's control?
It was only a few weeks ago that another senior member of the HSSD resigned and returned to the UK. Why are we not encouraging local people through the systems of departments?
However, as noted, Mr Conder is leaving the island. Maybe the other one may also be sorted in time.
R. S. MAUGER,
Valletta,
Rue des Frieteaux,
St Martin's,
GY4 6XA.
Editor's footnote: Professor Conder did not wish to respond.
