The Health and Social Welfare Directorate has recently welcomed Social Services Trainer Martin Warsama on a two year contract.
In this role Martin will observe and assess the current systems within Social Services. He will also train staff through supervision and scenario training.
Martin commented:
“I will be imbedding systems that can be easily picked up by staff after my contract has finished. I will be working closely with social workers, identifying any improvements that they wish to see and workable solutions.”
Martin who has been here for several days is busy observing the current procedures within Social Services and adjusting to his new environment. He will soon focus on drawing up plans to implement changes.
Martin has been a qualified Social worker for 22 years, fifteen of them at management level. Throughout his career working within various organisations in the North of the UK, he has been employed across various fields covering that of adult care, emergency duty and child protection, setting up joint investigation teams, early intervention teams and improving systems.
Prison Advisor, Keith Munns contracted by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) visits the Island every two years.
During his visits Keith observes the general prison operation, establishes if prisoners are being treated fairly, if the public are protected and that effective rehabilitation efforts are enforced to reduce the risk of prisoners reoffending.
Keith who has a background in the UK Prison Service as a Prison Governor for 42 years now advises Prisons in Overseas Territories, St Helena, Ascension and the Falklands to ensure that each Island’s Prison Service complies with UK standards but in a way that reflects the size and situation of their Prisons. This visit saw Keith spend just over a week on Island.
Keith commented:
“Largely what I do is assessing the treatment of prisoners that all systems are in place, inmates’ educational needs are met and to address the key issues of safety, respect, purposeful activity and resettlement. I will draft a report on my return and present to FCO with a serious of recommendations and future improvements.
“I can say with confidence that the prison on St Helena has improved since my last visit, with what is being done in terms of offender management, probation and community work. The training of the Prison staff is also more professionalised. An event held at Plantation where staff received certificates for training highlights the improvement of the staffs skills.”
The training that was provided was lifted directly from the UK system to allow Prison staff to operate at UK standards.
Keith departs the Island tomorrow Tuesday 10 September 2013.
The Statistics Office will be conducting a household survey in October 2013. The survey is designed to update information collected during the previous Household Expenditure Survey and also to fill important gaps in the information currently held about households on St Helena.
The information collected will be used to:
•Update the selection of goods and services monitored for quarterly checks of the Retail Price Index
•Provide accurate information on living standards and conditions on the Island
•Provide information on the typical expenditure of St Helena households, and, where possible
•Examine how spending patterns change with household income.
This information is vital in assisting Government with policy and decision making.
Participants in the survey will be asked to complete a questionnaire and to keep a diary of expenditure for a two-week period. All responses to questions, and diary entries, will be kept strictly confidential. Only results relating to groups of households, or result averages will be shared with anyone in or outside of Government. No-one will be able to identify individual participants or any of the answers they provide.
Five Government officers have been appointed to act as enumerators during this survey, they are; Kelly Clingham, Liz Johnson-Idan, Justine Joshua, Tessa Roberts and Natasha Stevens. These officers have been authorised to collect data for this survey. Statistician, Paula McLeod, will be overseeing the survey and can answer any questions the public may have.
Paula said:
“Our results can only be as good as the information with which we are provided. We would very much appreciate the help and co-operation of all households who are selected. Households will be randomly selected from each administrative area.”
Selected participants will be receiving a letter of invitation in the week commencing 23 September. There will be a phased release of outputs; a high-level summary of findings is scheduled for publication in April 2014.
If you have any questions regarding the survey, or any other statistical matters, please do not hesitate to contact the Statistics Team on tel: 2138 or email: statistics@sainthelena.gov.sh
In an Awards ceremony held at Plantation House last evening, Prison Officers presented with certificates of Achievement for completing their Prison Officer Initial Training Course.
HE Governor Mark Capes and Prison Manager Martin David highlighted that the Prison Officers’ work is often ‘behind the scenes’ but their jobs are paramount in the care of vulnerable individuals and the protection and security of the Island’s community.
Martin commented:
“What was a particular achievement was that the training was delivered to all the serving Prison Officers without a significant impact on the operation of the prison, which carried on running throughout. This demonstrated the flexibility and resourcefulness of the prison staff.”
Kylie Hercules
Kylie Hercules who transferred to the Prison Service from the Police in March this year as an Offender Manager/Senior Prison Officer commented:
“My job often involves dealing with court reports, probations and direct interaction with offenders. I work with so many different people and enjoy the fact that I have an impact on the inmates’ lives.
“Through the Prison Officer Initial Training Course we went through defence and offence techniques, whilst establishing that all our actions towards offenders need to be fully justified; for example you must first use defence moves before opting to offence. This certificate is the basis for my professional development and will be used as a stepping stone to further my career in the Prison Service.”
St Helena Prison Officers are now trained to deliver a higher standard of security and care, ensuring that not only the public are protected but also that prisoners are being held in a safe and as decent a manner as can be achieved in the current prison.
The Prison Officer Initial Training Course began in February this year and was delivered in a modular basis, coming to completion in August. The course involved 10 days of classroom based training, skills training in Personal Protection (Self – defence) and First Aid. Competency was demonstrated by a number of written exams and practical assessments. The course covered a broad range of subjects from security, searching, handcuffing and radio use, to care of the vulnerable including those at risk of self harm.
ExCo met in a special closed session this morning to consider one agenda item. This was a paper to examine a ‘slow steaming’ proposal for the RMS St Helena. The meeting was in closed session as confidential commercial information was discussed.
Slow steaming is the deliberate slowing of a ship in order to save on fuel costs. In the case of the RMS slow steaming would add one day to the voyage between Cape Town and St Helena and would lead to one voyage per year being cancelled.
While slow steaming would provide savings to the fuel bill the additional day would impact negatively on returning Saints, tourism and medical referrals – potentially leading to a loss of investment opportunities.
Recognising that St Helena Line has a responsibility to look for savings Executive Council unanimously agreed that slow steaming should not be introduced for the RMS St Helena.
The Honourable Nigel Dollery has advised that due to personal reasons he will be resigning, with immediate effect, from Executive Council and Chairman of the Social and Community Development Committee.
Councillor Dollery will remain a Member of Legislative Council and continue to serve the Island population.
Councillor Dollery commented:
“In case of any doubt, my resignation is purely for personal reasons and I would like to point out that I find all officials and my fellow Councillors very supportive in my role as a Councillor.”
Former Corporate Procurement Director for St Helena Government, Dr Corinda Essex has recently retired from her post.
Dr Essex’s career has spanned over 42 years, beginning with a teaching role in 1971 in where she progressed to co-coordinating Environmental Studies in the Middle School Sector after serving as a Senior Teacher at the Secondary Selective School until its closure.
In the early 1990s, Dr Essex represented the Half Tree Hollow Constituency as an Elected Member of Legislative Council and remained with the Education Department as Pastoral Head (Lower School) and Assistant Education Officer.
During her term in the UK from 1995 as St Helena’s Government Representative, Dr Essex’ work was formally commended in the House of Commons by Sir Nicholas Bonsor, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
On her return to St Helena, Dr Essex was promoted to the post of Education Officer (Training, Special Educational Needs and Resources) which she held until her appointment as Chief Development Officer in 1999.
As Chief Development Officer/Director of Corporate Procurement, Dr Essex chaired the European Union Monitoring Committee relating to St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, as well as chairing/serving on a number of Working Groups relating to her portfolio. As Territorial Authorising Officer in relation to the European Union she formed part of the delegation representing St Helena and her sister Islands at EU/OCT Forums and headed the delegation in 2006.
From 1998, Dr Essex took on several significant acting roles within SHG which included Acting Chief Education Officer, Acting Head of Public Works and Services Department, Acting Financial Secretary and Acting Chief Secretary.
She has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Boards of St Helena Line, St Helena Development Agency and, St Helena Fisheries Corporation, the most recent being the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of which she remains a member and St Helena Government Air Access Core Group.
Alongside her commitment towards SHG, Dr Essex has been heavily involved in the island’s community, serving as a Ranger Guide Leader for 8 years, becoming a member of the National Amateur Sports Association of St Helena and Jamestown Rifle Club Committee for several years, as well as being a member of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Committee.
On her time working within Government, Dr Essex commented:
“I thoroughly enjoyed all my varied roles within St Helena Government. Although there were moments of disappointment, hurt and frustration which are inevitable in a long career, these were far out-weighed by the highlights such as seeing most of my students achieve excellent results; raising the international profile of St Helena and opening new employment opportunities when we had lost British citizenship and unemployment was escalating; turning PWSD around following a management crisis; working with the European Union to obtain funding for St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha and writing associated programming documents which met EU requirements, thus enabling St Helena to be ahead of other Overseas Territories in the approval processes and last, but by no means least, leading Government business in Legislative Council Sessions when acting as Chief Secretary.
“I have been privileged to lead hard working, dedicated teams committed to developing their professional skills and meeting SHG’s key objectives. Many obtained internationally recognised qualifications that are testimony of their ability and competence. I will always remember and value their support, input and expertise.
I will also recall with deep appreciation the positive working relationship that was maintained with Legislative Councillors and with those involved in various project working groups.”
Gilly Francis, Deputy Chief Secretary commented:
“Dr Essex has made positive contributions to the Public Service in the many roles that she has held during her 42 years in office. On behalf of SHG I extend thanks and appreciation to Dr Essex for her hard work, commitment and dedication throughout her time and wish her well for the future.”
Arriving on the RMS today is new Advisory Teacher for Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Andy Day.
Andy Day, New ICT Advisory Teacher
Based at Prince Andrew School Andy will teach ICT classes to students there but will also provide ICT curriculum leadership across the whole of the Education Directorate.
Andy joins the Directorate from a previous role as a senior teacher at a large rural Secondary School in the West of England.
Director of Education and Employment, Colin Moore said:
“We have recruited Andy to lead on 21st century learning. It is vital that our young people possess the skills to compete in an increasingly technologically driven global economy. With the coming of the airport more and more of our young people will need to have advanced skills in using information technology.
“Andy has worked successfully for a number of years in different schools in the West of England where he has introduced new teaching and learning styles and supported the introduction of a range of exciting learning resources. I have no doubt that he will help us take learning to new levels on St Helena.”
Andy added:
“I am very much looking forward to this challenge, both professionally and personally. New technologies are important as they will open new doors and possibilities to the young people of St Helena.
“ICT is exciting because it is always changing and developing, a subject in which we are all lifelong learners, both students and staff. I am particularly interested in using ICT to promote independent learning and encourage thinking skills.
“The Internet, when used properly can be an amazing resource for learning, and I am keen to promote its safe and positive use for all students.”
Andy is accompanied by wife Lucy and sons, Toby (13) and Lawrence (9), all are looking forward to life on the Island and enjoying all it has to offer.
Arriving on 9 September is the new Government Economist, Ian Smyth. Ian has entered a 2 year contract with St Helena Government and succeeds previous Government Economist, Owen James, who completed his contract earlier this year.
Ian brings to his new post a wealth of experience having previously worked as an Economist in three very different organisations; Inland Revenue, delivering economic impact assessments on budget measures, Essex County Council, where he was responsible for strategic planning and delivering closer integration between the corporate plan, budget and performance management, and more recently at the UK Financial Services Authority where he worked with the central economics team on major policy initiatives such as the Retail Distribution Review.
On Ian’s appointment, Director of Corporate Policy and Planning, Susan O’Bey said:
“We are looking forward to Ian joining us in the Corporate Policy and Planning Unit. His experience and advice will be invaluable during this crucial period as we work towards achieving sustainable economic growth as set out in the Sustainable Development Plan.”
Ian is very much looking forward to his new role and will be accompanied on Island by his wife and two children.
Originally from France, Philippe Prudhomme is the first Advisory teacher to introduce French to Prince Andrew School’s curriculum, starting with Key Stage Three students this coming school year, and gradually expanding it to the whole school.
Having gained a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in the UK, Philippe set off to Nairobi to become a linguistic advisor for the French Embassy, developing French in the Nairobi area, and assisting in the training of Kenyan French teachers.
Philippe then progressed to Head of Modern Languages at the International School of South Africa. He moved on to Lagos (Nigeria) where he was part of the Pioneer Senior Management Team (Deputy Head Welfare) to set up the British International School of Lagos, Nigeria. After working on Curriculum Development in the South of Nigeria with the help of the United Nations body, Philippe took a job in Switzerland for three years (2 years as Co-Head of Boarding and 1 year as a French teacher and Discipline Advisor)
Commenting on taking a job on St Helena, Philippe said:
“After a return to Europe (Switzerland), where the standards of French are very high, I wanted to go back to similar work that I conducted in Kenya and South Africa, introducing French to students, to an adult audience unfamiliar with the language and making a positive contribution. St Helena offered this new and exciting opportunity.”
Philippe’s main role here will be to teach French at Prince Andrew School and then commence classes into the wider community, building on Judith Moore’s French adult evening classes.
Director of Education, Colin Moore said:
“The arrival of Philippe Prudhomme, a qualified French teacher, represents a major step forward for education on St Helena. Introducing French to the curriculum will extend opportunity and widen the offer we have available to our young people. Philippe will also be aiming to equip the local business people and the developing tourism industry with the skills to converse in French.
“I would also like to thank the French Consul, Michel Martineau for helping us to establish the basis upon which we could bring the teaching of French to our schools.
“We are all pleased to welcome Philippe to St Helena and wish him well in his new post.”
As this is the first foreign language to be introduced to a young audience on St Helena, Philippe acknowledged the added pressure that students will experience when learning something completely new. Philippe aims to trigger his classes’ interest with a variety of teaching techniques, setting clearly identified objectives, making the students aware of the importance of learning French and incorporating effective methods to help students cope with the stress of learning a foreign language.
Philippe commented:
“Over time I am confident that many school students and adults will be able to build up a wide range of French vocabulary that will help them in their social or professional life, building up links and facilitating the connection with the global village.”
Following the introduction of French to Key Stage Three students Philippe hopes to reach younger students at Primary School level, allowing them to learn and develop a foreign language, and extend the teaching of the language to a wider adult audience particularly in the field of tourism and commerce.
