Customer Service of the Year: States of Guernsey Communications Team

DURING the pandemic crisis, communication between States of Guernsey officials and the public became very important. And that was why Hannah Beacom put forward Mary Putra and the States of Guernsey communications team for the Cherry Godfrey-sponsored Customer Service of the Year award for their hard work.

DURING the pandemic crisis, communication between States of Guernsey officials and the public became very important.

And that was why Hannah Beacom put forward Mary Putra and the States of Guernsey communications team for the Cherry Godfrey-sponsored Customer Service of the Year award for their hard work.

‘Guernsey has quite rightly congratulated Gavin St Pier, Dr Brink and Heidi Soulsby for the local management of the Covid-19 crisis,’ Ms Beacom said.

‘Behind them was a communications team who worked relentlessly to ensure all in Guernsey had the facts. We had websites that seemed to be written overnight. Clear press conferences, including subtitles for accessibility, followed by excellent online information. Whilst these press conferences were held weekly, I can only imagine the work that went on behind the scenes.’

She said the public did not feel talked down to or patronised.

‘Difficult messages were communicated with compassion,’ she said.

‘We could chose to read all the information or just print posters off for the workplace. This information was provided in several languages so it was accessible to as many residents as possible. 

‘I would love to see their vital contribution recognised as I have no doubt that their excellent communication led to engagement with the Guernsey public which has seen us race through all the phases that were under our control.’