Ex-Jersey social worker says outside inspectors needed

The Independent Jersey Care Inquiry has examined allegations of abuse at the now-closed Haut de la Garenne children's home among others

Outside care inspectors should be given legal powers in Jersey, according to a former social worker.

Speaking to the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry, Simon Bellwood said the island is too small to monitor itself.

Mr Bellwood moved to the island in 2006 to run Heathfields secure school but was dismissed the following year.

The States settled an unfair dismissal claim in his favour, but Mr Bellwood remains critical of his former employer and the way it manages care.

He told the inquiry: "Jersey has no external scrutiny whatsoever. Jersey should take down its independent flag every so often and say 'come on and inspect us as if we are the mainland'."

'Could happen again'

The inquiry is investigating historical abuse in the island's care system.

Mr Bellwood said: "There are a million reasons why this kind of stuff could happen again.

"There are people who will abuse power and it has a knock-on effect on the level of care. If people feel they can't complain, they won't."

He said people in public office are scared to speak out for fearing of losing their job.

In his own case, he said those who initially investigated his dismissal had close ties to the system.

Mr Bellwood said: "People should have confidence their complaints will be listened to, whether they are right or wrong."