Care manager settles sacking case

Simon Bellwood was in charge of Greenfields secure unit

The former manager of a Jersey children's care home has settled his case with the States in the middle of an employment tribunal.

Simon Bellwood had claimed unfair dismissal as manager of the Greenfields secure unit.

But on Wednesday he and the States issued a statement saying the matter was now resolved with mutual satisfaction.

An independent inquiry is to be launched into his sacking.

'Territorial' claim

Mr Bellwood had told the tribunal he felt undermined by his line manager Joe Kennedy whom he claims did not want him in the post.

The former social worker said his superior was territorial and found it hard to pass over the reins when Mr Bellwood took over control of the secure unit from him.

The tribunal was adjourned for most of the day while the parties talked.

Later, a joint statement was read on behalf of the States Employment Board and Mr Bellwood.

It said that Mr Bellwood had not been sacked for so-called whistleblowing.

He will receive a sum of money in compensation, equal to his statutory and contractural entitlement, but the exact figure has not been disclosed.

An independent inquiry will be set up to look into all of the circumstances surrounding the termination of Mr Bellwood's employment. It is unclear at the moment what the scope of this inquiry will be.

Both parties are currently refusing to make any further comment.

Mr Bellwood's case is not connected to the ongoing investigation into child abuse allegations at the Haut de la Garenne children's home.