Mr De Carteret stepped down on a temporary basis on 2 April of this year, while an investigation took place into allegations received regarding his conduct – a decision made in agreement with the Committee for Home Affairs and States chief executive Boley Smillie, who yesterday announced Mr De Carteret’s decision to retire. He had been in the role permanently since May 2020.
‘Guernsey Prison is undoubtedly going through a challenging period and it is very clear to me that improvements are needed in a number of areas,’ he said.
‘Following the prison governor’s decision to retire, my focus will be on supporting the Committee for Home Affairs in appointing a successor.
‘I want to recognise the difficult circumstances in which colleagues at the prison have been and are currently working in, and the professionalism and commitment they continue to show in delivering this important frontline service.’
Deputy Governor Tracey Mahy has been leading the prison since Mr De Carteret stepped down in April.
Following a meeting held yesterday morning, with Mr Smillie in attendance, prison officers agreed to reinstate previous levels of goodwill with effect from tomorrow, among other actions.
They have accepted the 3.7% pay deal on offer for 2026 while making it clear that it did not adequately address their pay claim.
With back pay paid immediately, officers now want to see ‘meaningful engagement’ on the introduction of a 36-hour working week and a full review of pay, terms and conditions in comparison with Customs and police officers.
Unite regional officer Laura Bichard said that the attendance of Mr Smillie at the meeting was welcomed by members, and provided an opportunity for direct engagement and demonstrated a willingness to listen to the concerns being raised by prison officers.
‘From the discussion, it was clear that members are frustrated by the lack of progress on these long-standing issues, but equally clear that they remain willing to engage constructively to find a way forward,’ she said.
‘Members want to see meaningful improvements to their workplace, pay, terms and conditions, and they are prepared to work with the chief executive, acting governor and employer to achieve that.
‘The issues raised by our members are long-standing and require meaningful action, not simply assurances.
‘We now expect the employer to engage with the union and deliver the improvements our members deserve. Unite will continue to stand firmly with our members while working to secure a positive and sustainable resolution to these issues.’
Prison officers started industrial action on Monday 27 July, working strictly to their contracts, in a row about pay and conditions.
Their overtime ban forced prison management to keep inmates in their cells longer each day, but prisoners backed the staff, writing letters and signing petitions in support.
Les Nicolles has been under increased scrutiny this year following the deaths of two inmates, which are still under investigation.
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