Government of Jersey

Natasha Devon MBE

Produced by the Freedom of Information office
Authored by Children, Young People, Education and Skills and published on 17 October 2025.
Prepared internally, no external costs.

Request 750599310

Regarding talks carried out recently by Natasha Devon MBE in all island schools as well as separate parents sessions, could you please provide:

The criteria used to select the speaker
Any information available on the procurement process used
The total cost of the engagement
A copy of any emails sent from Tier 1 / 2 Directors in the CYPES department containing the phrase 'Natasha Devon'.

Response

1. Please find the below criteria used to select the speaker

Criteria Area	What to look for	Why it matters
Expertise & Credibility	Demonstrated knowledge in online safety, AI, or social media (e.g., academic research, published books, recognised advocacy work, policy involvement).	Ensures information is accurate, trustworthy, and evidence-based.
Experience with Young Audiences	Prior work with schools, youth groups, or education programmes.	Shows they can engage children from primary to late teens.
Communication Skills	Ability to simplify complex topics, use age-appropriate language, and employ interactive methods (stories, visuals, polls).	Keeps 7–18-year-olds engaged and learning.
Child-Centred & Ethical Approach	Focus on empowerment rather than fear; sensitivity to safeguarding, diversity, and mental health.	Protects wellbeing and avoids harmful messaging.
Relevance & Currency	Up-to-date knowledge of current platforms, AI, trends, risks and opportunities.	Ensures the content feels fresh and relatable.
Impact & Follow-Up	Offers resources for students, parents, and teachers (guides, websites,helplines) and can demonstrate past impact through feedback or evaluations.	Extends learning beyond the talk and provides ongoing support.

Speaker Selection Checklist

Use this tick-box list when assessing potential speakers.

Speaker Name: __________________________

Date of Review: _________________________

Check Item

Recognised expert in online safety, AI, social media, or youth mental health

Demonstrates experience working with 7–18 year olds (schools, youth groups, etc.)

Can adapt content for different age groups (primary vs. secondary)

Uses clear, engaging communication (stories, visuals, interactive activities)

Provides a balanced approach (focus on empowerment, not scare tactics)

Acknowledges diverse needs (mental health, cultural differences, accessibility)

Content is up to date with current apps, AI developments, and online trends

Offers follow-up resources (guides, helplines, lesson materials)

Supplies references/testimonials from previous school or youth events

Meets safeguarding requirements (DBS check or equivalent, appropriate policies)

2. The procurement process was followed in line with the Government of Jersey Public Finances Manual. Information can be found here: Public Finances Manual

3. The cost of procurement of this service forms part of the contract with the service provider and is therefore exempt from release, Article 33 of the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 is applied.

4. Please see the attachments provided.

Freedom of Information Response 750599310 -Attachment 1.pdf

Freedom of Information Response 750599310 - Attachment 2.pdf

Freedom of Information Response 750599310 - Attachment 3 .pdf

Freedom of Information 750599310 - Attachment 4 .jpg

Freedom of Information 750599310 - Attachment 5.jpg

Correspondence has been reviewed, and information in scope of this request has been prepared for disclosure.

Duplicate emails have been removed where possible, and correspondence has been redacted in accordance with of Freedom of Information legislation.

Redactions have been applied to remove the personal Information of individuals, including Government of Jersey employees below Tier 2, in accordance with Article 25 of the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011.

Articles Applied

Article 25 - Personal information

(1) Information is absolutely exempt information if it constitutes personal data of which the applicant is the data subject as defined in the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2005.

(2) Information is absolutely exempt information if –

(a) it constitutes personal data of which the applicant is not the data subject as defined in the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2018; and

(b) its supply to a member of the public would contravene any of the data protection principles, as defined in that Law.

(3) In determining for the purposes of this Article whether the lawfulness principle in Article 8(1)(a) of the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2018 would be contravened by the disclosure of information, paragraph 5(1) of Schedule 2 to that Law (legitimate interests) is to be read as if sub-paragraph (b) (which disapplies the provision where the controller is a public authority) were omitted.

Article 33 - Commercial interests

Information is qualified exempt information if –

(a) it constitutes a trade secret; or

(b) its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the commercial interests of a person (including the scheduled public authority holding the information).

Public Interest Test

Article 33 is a qualified exemption and as such, CYPES has conducted a prejudice test as required by law.

When responding to requests of this nature, CYPES are required to balance the public interest with the impact that disclosing this information would, or would be likely to, have upon the commercial interest of the service provider and to CYPES. Whilst it may be in the public interest to understand the cost to CYPES, protecting the commercial interests of CYPES and to those with whom we have a contract is essential.

The use of a third party, to provide this service was through a contract. Disclosing information that has been provided under contract will mean that CYPES are in breach of their contract with that service provider and this would prejudice the commercial interests of CYPES.

When considering the application of this exemption, CYPES has determined that whilst it is in the public interest to disclose the requested costs, this is outweighed by the necessity to limit any impact on its commercial interests in ensuring contractual obligations are met, Article 33 has been applied.