Art students exhibit their prison work

Wednesday 17 June 2020

Three quarters of inmates at Guernsey's prison took up the opportunity to learn new skills while they were behind bars last year - with the 2019 annual report showing vocational courses continue to be the most popular as part of the island's rehabilitation services.

A number of those jailed for differing offences were able to hone their creative skills while at Les Nicolles with some exhibiting their work through photography displays and an international art competition.

The 2019 Prison Annual Report was released this month, detailing the work done within the facility which had an average of 91 inmates during the last calendar year, compared to 100 during 2018.

Those inmates - which included a small number of children between the ages of 14 and 18 - were overseen by 78 uniformed staff and 14 civilian staff. There are also a range of volunteers, tutors and multi-agency staff working at the prison.

They are all overseen by Prison Governor John de Carteret who was recently appointed to the role permanently having been the acting-governor for the previous nine months. He also controlled the annual budget for the latter part of 2019, which had been set at £5,698,000.

Pictured: John de Carteret is the Prison Governor. 

Of the uniformed and civilian staff, volunteers, tutors and multi-agency staff involved in work at Les Nicolles prison, a number of them work to provide educational and vocational activities.

During 2019 a total of 76 students achieved 144 qualifications or awards, with more than 75% of prisoners involved in some type of educational activity.

The most popular courses continue to be vocationally focused, such as Employability Skills, Health and Safety and First Aid. Photography continues to be a favorite, and throughout 2019 36 awards were given in recognition in that area.

The Prison Annual Report states that: "Learning and Skills Department has prided itself on offering a wide spectrum of educational opportunities throughout 2019 which have also included the more formal academic qualifications."

Pictured: This chart demonstrates the breakdown of qualifications/awards achieved by inmates at Les Nicolles during 2019.

Mr de Carteret said he was pleased with the uptake in educational activities during 2019, which remains a priority for the prison.

"I am pleased to report another successful and very busy year over the course of 2019. The majority of priorities identified in the 2019 delivery plan have been completed. I am particularly pleased in reporting 75% of prisoners engaged with education learning and skills, with an average of 99% of eligible prisoners employed in work whilst in custody throughout the year."

One of the professional courses delivered to both prisoners and staff is called 'Me Others Everyone Certified Coach' which provides 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.