‘Bureaucracy has taken a massive toll on staff wellbeing’

Having taught at the Guernsey College of Further Education for over 35 years, I feel qualified to comment on the recent Guernsey Press articles regarding safeguarding concerns and, perhaps more crucially, the survey highlighting the dangerously low morale among staff.

While much emphasis has been placed on the safeguarding of students – as it should be – the wellbeing of the staff seems to have been relegated to the back burner. It is telling that there has been no comment from the current principal on this vital matter.

In my early days of teaching under ‘no-nonsense’ principals, we were a workforce that felt valued, supported, and listened to. We were seen as human beings rather than mere numbers. While undercurrents of dissatisfaction have always existed in any workplace, the degree of bullying and the poor working atmosphere reported over the past few years is unprecedented.

Those in power must realise that investing in staff and fostering a positive environment is the only way to avoid this kind of crisis. For too long, many staff members have ‘toed the line’ for fear of repercussions, choosing silence over putting their ‘heads above the parapet’.

The relentless increase in bureaucracy – the constant need to justify one’s existence through paperwork and inspections – has taken a massive toll on staff wellbeing. I know; I have been there.

The ultimate priority is the progression of our students into their chosen vocations. However, the staff are the key players in that journey. To facilitate excellent learning, these mentors must feel valued and focused.

I hope these issues are addressed with the seriousness they deserve to restore harmony to the college.

Steve Bacon
Retired program manager for hospitality and catering