Fancy a new job?

Monday 18 November 2019

A 'rewarding career' is being promised to anyone interested in signing up as a Prison Officer, as Les Nicolles needs 'a number of individuals' to bolster its staff.

Guernsey Prison is based at Baubigny and is currently managed by John De Carteret.

With a maximum number of inmates allowed of 134, up to category B, the island's only prison caters for offenders serving terms for a variety of crimes - with young offenders and 'vulnerable' prisoners kept separately on different wings.

On-island training is offered to new recruits, who are given the chance to gain a vocational qualification in custodial care.

The training includes restraint techniques, first aid, report writing and custody planning as well as in other areas relevant to the rehabilitation of inmates. 

Prison Officers are also able to make use of their own skills and hobbies in the rehabilitation schemes available at the prison, including within the workshops, and exercise areas. 

Pictured: Inmates at Les Nicolles are able to work on a variety of skills including horticulture and carpentry. 

One serving Prison Officer said the role was not what they expected when they initially signed up.

"I had expected what you see on American documentaries and instead found somewhere geared towards actually trying to help prisoners."

Others said they had signed up because they wanted to make a difference to peoples' lives.

"I wanted to make a difference to people from all backgrounds and help them change their life for the better, whilst keeping the public safe," said one, while another added, "I wanted a career where I could make a difference in peoples' lives and where I could become a person that my family would be proud of, as well as progress whilst learning a variety of tasks."

Pictured: Some of the criteria for applying for a job at the prison is listed above. 

The Prison is holding an open evening on Friday 22 November for anyone considering a career as a Prison Officer.

During the evening, staff will be on hand to explain their roles and to answer any questions you may have, before taking you on a tour of the prison. You must arrive at 17:30 and register in advance by calling 240083 or 733077 or by emailing Jason.tardif@gov.gg