Friday 05 June 2020
High levels of prisoner engagement in education are among the highlights of the Guernsey Prison 2019 Annual Report.
The 2019 report is also the first of the recently appointed new Governor, John De Carteret, who said:
"We undertook a number of initiatives last year, all of which are detailed in the report. Among them, a significant restructure of the senior management team which identified specific service professionals to lead the main functions of the prison. It was an initiative which created efficiencies, improved resilience and provided effective succession planning.
"There is much to be pleased about within the report, and I would urge everyone with an interest in the prison to take the opportunity to read it. As I embark on my first full year as Prison Governor, I have a number of priorities, which I will outline more fully during the release of the 2020 Delivery Plan, due out shortly."
The provision of education and training forms an important part of Prison life. A professional course was successfully delivered to both prisoners and staff entitled "Me Others Everyone Certified Coach" which provided delegates with specific communication skills aimed at enhancing relationships and providing the ability for them to focus on and find solutions to reach their full potential.
Mr De Carteret added:
"This course will be rolled out twice a year going forwards and is an exciting initiative that is aimed to improve personal outcomes and promote positive behaviour,"
Other highlights within the report include the reduction of the average prison roll from 100 in 2018, to 91 in 2019. Three quarters of prisoners engaged with education, learning and skills with an average of 99% of eligible prisoners employed in work while in custody throughout the year. A total of 76 students achieved 144 qualifications or awards in 2019, with the most popular courses continuing to be vocationally focused, such as Employability Skills, Health and Safety and First Aid. Photography also continues to be a favourite, with 36 awards given in recognition.
"I am extremely proud of all the achievements during 2019 and look forward to developing this further during 2020."
Deputy Mary Lowe, President of the Committee for Home Affairs added:
"Guernsey Prison delivers an excellent service to the community as demonstrated in this Annual Report. The Committee is proud to be responsible for the Prison Service where the staff, volunteers and local businesses work to provide such a breadth of education and work opportunities. The Prison play an important role in the rehabilitating, training and equipping prisoners for when the leave and return to community life."
