The King has approved the appointment of the first woman to hold the office of His Majesty’s Greffier in the Royal Court of Guernsey.
Mrs Antonia Read (pictured) is appointed to the position by warrant of the Sovereign. His Majesty’s Greffier is the Clerk of the Royal and Magistrate’s Courts, Registrar of the Guernsey Court of Appeal and Clerk and Registrar of the States of Deliberation and States of Election. The postholder is also Registrar-General of births, deaths and marriages. The first recorded reference to the role dates from the early thirteenth century.
Mrs Read will be responsible for the ongoing implementation of the digitalisation of the Court systems. She succeeds Mr Jon Torode, who retired last month after 14 years in the post.
Mrs Read was born in Guernsey and educated at The Ladies’ College. On leaving school she joined Guernsey Police, where she progressed through the ranks. As an Inspector, she was appointed Director of the Financial Intelligence Service.
Towards the end of her police career, Mrs Read was appointed as a member of Law Enforcement’s Senior Leadership Team. Her portfolio included Public Protection, Professional Standards, Learning and Development and High-Tech Crime. She also played a key role in the development and implementation of the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre and the restructuring of Law Enforcement. Mrs Read retired in the rank of Detective Chief Inspector, going on to be part of the office of The Children’s Convenor.
Mrs Read commented: “It is an immense honour and privilege to continue serving the people of the Bailiwick through my appointment as His Majesty’s Greffier. I look forward to the challenges ahead and to building upon the work of my predecessors in this unique and historic role. I remain firmly committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and public service, and to ensuring that the Office continues to evolve while preserving its proud traditions.”
The Lieutenant-Governor, Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell, welcomed the appointment: “I am delighted that Mrs Read has been appointed to this key position in our judicial system, where her considerable experience and leadership qualities will be of great benefit to the Bailiwick.”
