This Is Guernsey

Youth tribunal training coordinator Joy Gillies. (Picture by Tom Tardif, 0644902).

SIXTY people have come forward for the Guernsey Child, Youth and Community Tribunal and the number is still rising.

Only 30 are required.  ‘We have been recruiting and doing a roadshow and Q and A,’ said training coordinator Joy Gillies. ‘We’ve had an amazing response.’

All applicants will attend an informal interview and those who seem suitable will progress to a formal one.

‘We are hoping for as wide a range of the community as we can get – people with experience of life and children. We need men as well as women. We want a complete cross section of society.’ The panel will be a first for Guernsey and its work will be important.

‘The tribunal doesn’t decide guilt or innocence. It looks at what is best for the child.’

The panel is open to anyone aged between 21 and 70.

There will be three people on each tribunal and it is estimated that volunteers will be needed one afternoon a month.

Those selected will train for four weekends and five evenings to learn how to deal with issues they might face.

‘The training is very interesting,’ said Mrs Gillies. ‘It is more about doing rather than listening.’

It is hoped to finish that by March, when the trainees will move on to practice tribunals.

Training is expected to be finished by the end of May.

‘After training, they will be appointed by the Royal Court  and usually serve for about three years,’ said Mrs Gillies. ‘Being on the tribunal is fantastic personal and professional development.’

Applications close on 11 October.

Article posted on 30th September, 2008 - 11.30am