THE Education Department is to hold an independent review into how it handled the controversial sacking of former Le Rondin School head Jane Stephens. The role played by senior staff in Mrs Stephens’ departure was criticised by Lt-Bailiff Richard Southwell when he rejected Mrs Stephens’ application for judicial review.

He recommended that the case highlighted the need for an external assessment of the management of education in Guernsey, in particular the role of the director of Education.

Education minister Martin Ozanne announced such a move yesterday.

‘Because of the nature of the legal process, there was no formal opportunity for the Education Department to respond to a number of observations made by Mr Southwell,’ said Deputy Ozanne.

‘The members of the Education board have every confidence in their officers and, for the good of the Education service, the board has decided to commission an independent review of the dismissal of Mrs Stephens, the adequacy of the procedures in place to deal with dismissals and the extent to which they were followed.’

Deputy Ozanne has asked Chief Minister Laurie Morgan for advice on the appointment of a suitable off-island person or organisation to carry out the review.

The court hearing was told that there had been a history of poor relationships between Mrs Stephens – who served as a teacher, and mainly a head, in Guernsey for 20 years until she was sacked earlier this year – and senior staff.

There was no allegation of misconduct made against Mrs Stephens, but she was told she was being sacked due to a continuing serious breakdown of relationships between her and senior staff.

In his June judgement last month, Mr Southwell found that Derek Neale, director of Education, in proposing her removal, had blamed her for the poor relationships, not himself or other senior staff.

Mrs Stephens said last night: ‘I’m surprised to hear this, but pleased that they are creating an opportunity for a review to happen.’