Remote island working

As Civil Crown Counsel, I am a part of the FCDO-funded technical co-operation programme which usually sees employees from overseas come to St Helena on two year fixed-term contracts. Some employees come on secondment, or take a career break, and then go back to their host organisation, while others use their new skills and knowledge to secure a new role back in the UK or overseas. The option to stay in St Helena is also a possibility as technical co-operation contracts can be extended for up to 5 years.

It’s an incredible experience both professionally and in terms of lifestyle. Remote island living can have its challenges but the local community are some of the kindest, most welcoming people I have ever met and it won’t be long until you feel at home. From a work perspective, you will have the opportunity to make a real and direct difference to the future of a country in a way that you might not necessarily have the chance to do back in the UK, and the knowledge and skills that you will develop will be extremely useful even after you leave the island.

8am: I set off for work. The drive into town is wonderful; a far cry from the bumper-to-bumper traffic I used to sit in back in Stoke-on-Trent. Road users are friendly and greet each passing car with a customary wave. No traffic lights; no motorways; no delays – the perfect commute.

8:30am: After easing into a parking spot outside the office and grabbing a coffee at the nearby St Helena Coffee Shop (coffee sourced from a local coffee plantation), I am ready to start work. It’s a two minute stroll in the sunshine from the coffee shop to the Attorney General’s Chambers where I check my emails and to-do list for the day.

There are not as many lawyers as you would typically find in a government department back at home so caseloads tend to be quite varied. Given the nature of the island, I am exposed to legal issues that I wouldn’t ordinarily be faced with in the UK; an interesting and rewarding experience.

As Civil Crown Counsel, I will often deal with anything from contracts and procurement to civil litigation and safeguarding matters.

This morning, I have a court hearing in an ongoing case. The courthouse is a stone’s throw from the Attorney General’s Chambers so I don’t have far to go. When we are finished, my client comes back to chambers to discuss next steps. I write up my notes from the hearing and ensure my diary is updated with the court directions.

12pm: Lunchtime! There are so many St Helenian delicacies, it’s almost impossible to choose. With menus including freshly caught tuna in batter, St Helena fishcakes and a delicious one-pot rice dish known locally as ‘Plo’; there’s something for everyone.

Today, however, I am combining my lunch break with my weekly wellbeing time. This is an additional thirty minutes which St Helena Government (SHG) gives its employees to take part in a wellbeing activity of choice. For me and a couple of colleagues, it’s a lunchtime dip in the ocean, only 100 metres from chambers. In glorious sunshine, we wander along the seafront to a place known as the ‘End Steps’ where we jump into the sea to cool off and marvel at the incredible marine life.

1pm: Back at my desk and feeling refreshed! This afternoon, I am advising a client directorate on the applicability of a specific piece of English legislation to St Helena. St Helena has its own legislature and makes its own laws, although some of the laws of England and Wales also apply with appropriate modifications to suit local circumstances. Determining the applicability of certain laws can be a complex process and I need a sounding board before I advise my client. Thankfully, the Attorney General’s Chambers is an incredibly supportive environment and I head across to a colleague’s office for a second opinion before spending the rest of the afternoon drafting an advice.

4pm: The official SHG hours of work are 8.30am – 4pm. Of course, as with all lawyers, there can be a requirement to work beyond these hours particularly if there are important deadlines to meet or something unexpected arises. However, today is Friday and, after a long week, I am ready to enjoy the weekend.

My family come and join me in town. I enjoy my second swim of the day (this time at the beautiful seafront Jamestown swimming pool) and then wander over to the local bar on the seafront, the Mule Yard, for sundowners with friends. We eat pizza and catch up on the events of the week while the kids go off and play.

For young children, St Helena is a wonderful place to grow up. It’s safe and friendly and there are three local primary schools to choose from. Outdoor opportunities are plentiful; there are lots of walking trails, boat trips (swimming with a whale shark is a serious contender for my favourite ever St Helena memory) and the chance to join a local club or team. Football, cricket, judo, archery, scouting, go-karting, fishing and the rifle club are just some of the options that St Helena has to offer.

7pm: We call it a night. For those who prefer to carry on the party, the Mule Yard stays open until the early hours and Donny’s nightclub is just a short walk (or stumble!) away.

And it’s not just the evening that is coming to an end; my time in St Helena is also drawing to a close. The last two years have been an absolute privilege for which I am incredibly grateful. If you are thinking about applying, my only advice is - take the plunge and go for it!

Pictured above: Sperry Island and Manati Bay, by Ed Thorpe

St Helena Government is currently recruiting for Civil Crown Counsel.

Emma Pickard is Civil Crown Counsel on the British Overseas Territory St Helena