21 August 2020
Interim management arrangements for Jersey’s prison have been confirmed and will be put in place, following the resignation of the Prison Governor.
The Deputy Governor, Nick Watkins, who is currently fulfilling the role of governor, will continue acting in the role for up to six months, starting on 1 Sept. This arrangement has been agreed by the Jersey Appointments Commission.
The recruitment process for a new, permanent Prison Governor will begin shortly.
The Minister for Home Affairs with responsibility for the Prison Service, Connétable Len Norman, said: “I would like to thank the Deputy Governor for stepping into the role of governor while we prepare for an open recruitment process.
“Nick Watkins has been with the prison service for 32 years and will continue the work that has already been done to prioritise the welfare of prisoners and to focus on changing behaviour, rehabilitation into the community and reducing the risks of reoffending.”
Nick Watkins said: “After joining the States of Jersey Prison Service in 1988 I trained at HMP Winchester and at the Prison Service College in Wakefield. I have since continued my development and was appointed Deputy Governor in 2014.
“During this time, I have had the privilege of working with many talented people, past and present, all of whom I have learned from. I look forward to serving the Island as acting Governor.”
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