Five staff recruited to Guernsey's emergency control centre

Wednesday, 9 October 2024 11:20

JESCC's manager tells us a recent shortfall in staff has been managed by the hard work of the existing team.

The Joint Emergency Services Control Centre, known as JESCC, handles 999 calls for Guernsey's blue light services.

Until recently, it also managed coastguard calls, but those are now directed to the dedicated Maritime Operations Centre at the end of the White Rock. It means JESCC staff no longer need additional, special training.

JESCC is managed by Karl Zierlinger, who tells us they have been short staffed over recent months:

“Following a recent recruitment drive, five new staff have joined JESCC this week, beginning 7 October, and commenced their training. With this intake, the team will only be carrying one vacancy."

It is understood from Mr Zierlinger that shifts in recent months have had to be covered by existing staff:

"Any shortfalls in resources have been managed utilising the dedicated and hard-working resources within the team, ensuring service levels are maintained. JESCC recruits in cohorts of new staff due to training requirements, therefore it is usual for a larger number of vacancies to be carried just before appointments are made."

Mr Zierlinger says they look to refine the way they find staff:

"We are always reviewing our recruitment strategies to minimise staff vacancies and are pleased with the most recent round of recruitment.”