When I spoke in the Assembly at the end of 2025, the Committee detailed its priorities for this political term, with a focus on its policy mandate and role within the legislature. Our commitment to improving justice outcomes by supporting a safe, fair and inclusive society for everyone in the Bailiwick is resolute.
Justice policy is a fundamental pillar of any modern society and remains a core focus for the Committee. The Committee’s mandate is grounded in legislation that should be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant and up to date. This is evident in the Committee’s current priorities, including the progression of work in relation to a review of the police complaints legislation, population policy, and placing victims first by advancing domestic abuse and sexual violence protections. However, identified priorities and best-practice reviews can be disrupted by the reactive nature of the Committee’s mandate, as emerging operational issues and risks must, at times, take priority.
Practical examples of these time-critical and otherwise unplanned challenges this term include bilateral prisoner transfer agreements, participation in GCC Free Trade Agreements, import control orders, drink/drug-drive statutory instruments, Alderney gambling legislation and consideration of the UK’s National Security Act, all of which are critical to maintaining the security of the Bailiwick and its participation in the global marketplace.
The responsive nature of the Committee’s mandate, coupled with the delivery of its governance and regulated responsibilities, diverts resources away from policy priorities. The Committee is mindful of the need to balance these responsibilities to ensure that we are focusing our resources on the areas where our community will feel the benefit.
The Committee is pleased to be able to report its intention to develop a Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, reaffirming its commitment to preventing violence before it occurs, improving support for victims and survivors, and ensuring that services, legislation and criminal and family justice responses continue to evolve in line with emerging risks and best practice.
There will be consultation with key stakeholders and third-sector partners to help shape the priorities and objectives of a Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy. There will be an initial focus on alignment with the Istanbul Convention, improving data collection and analysis, strengthening prevention and early intervention through education, awareness-raising and work with schools and the wider community. Further, the strategy will continue to modernise legislation and justice processes to ensure that they are victim-centred and fit for purpose.
Work has begun to consider the scope of a review of sentencing policy. The intention is to take a holistic approach to the subject, acknowledging its integration within the wider context of justice. The review is not intended to revisit individual cases or judicial decision-making. Instead, it will focus on the framework within which sentencing decisions are made, including legislative tools, available disposals, guidance, data and system capacity. Engagement with stakeholders will be key to the success of this work.
In the intervening months since the Committee’s first update statement, there has been an increasing focus on the Committee’s oversight of its operational functions. This statement will look to provide an update on service activity and the discharge of the Committee’s oversight responsibilities.
A number of these services, including law enforcement, probation, prison and population management, are delivered by statutory officials. It is essential that the Committee’s oversight responsibility does not fetter operational independence. This means that it is not appropriate for the Committee to insert itself into operational activities, whether that is case handling, client interactions or staffing matters.
The Committee’s focus is on ensuring services are delivered efficiently, consistently and in line with statutory obligations. It does so through direct engagement with its Service Leads and formal business monitoring sessions. Some of the highlights reported were:
• Guernsey Customs & Immigration Service is continuing to work with HMRC on Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance agreements, providing a framework for the exchange of information to help combat customs fraud, facilitate legitimate trade and ensure compliance with customs regulations.
• Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) for foreign national visitors were introduced on 23rd April 2026.
• In the area of road safety, the Police have had a sustained focus on the fatal five. Work has been taking place to support the introduction of new drug-driving legislation, which it is anticipated will take place before the end of the year.
• The Guernsey Cyber Security Centre launched on 9th June. The Centre will provide advice and support to businesses and the public, help build cyber resilience in the community, carry out threat evaluation and analysis, as well as coordinate responses to significant cyber incidents.
This year has come with challenges, which we are committed to responding to in a robust and open way. In that vein, the Committee looks forward to the conclusion of the independent proceedings taking place in relation to the Prison. Whilst the results of these matters are not yet known, the Committee will ensure that the service is equipped to respond to any learning identified in order to improve service outcomes.
Had I given this update statement in July, I would have acknowledged the increased scrutiny that Population Management has faced. This challenge is ongoing. In the first quarter of 2026, the volume of employment permit applications remained broadly consistent with recent years.
In March, there was increased pressure on the Service as a consequence of the policy change agreed by the Assembly, which saw Short-Term Employment Permits limited to three years for the first time since the regime was introduced. The Committee responded to concerns raised by industry in March by agreeing to a temporary extension policy for individuals reaching their short-term permit cap.
As a result of increased demand for Population Management services, at the beginning of the summer the Committee supported the implementation of a support plan, put in place to relieve some immediate operational pressures, improve customer service and support the processing of applications.
Since taking these steps, the Committee has acknowledged the concerns that remain in relation to processing times and the potential impact of changes in leadership. The Committee is keen to provide reassurance that it is focused on ensuring stability in the service and tackling the backlog of permit applications. The Committee received a comprehensive briefing at its meeting on Tuesday this week. The figures didn’t make for great reading; however, the extent of the issue is now clear and the focus is on tackling the backlog in a timely way. That will require an injection of resources.
In the coming months, the Committee will focus on the broader question of population policy and the need for the population management regime to evolve and flex to respond to the needs of industry, whilst acknowledging the consequences of accessing a worldwide employment pool on our island. In the coming weeks, the Committee will formally commence engagement with industry and cross-committee engagement.
The Committee has a well-established operational service structure, charged with the delivery of responsive, demand-led services. This can present challenges when progressing the delivery of the Committee’s broad policy mandate and exploring transformational initiatives.
During the next six months, the Committee will focus on scrutiny, stability and sustainability of its services, and investment in the workforce so that services can do better.