Antonia Read has been appointed His Majesty’s Greffier, becoming the first woman to hold the office in Guernsey’s history.
His Majesty, King Charles III approved her appointment which was announced by his repesentative in the island this week.
“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,” said the Lieutenant-Governor, Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell.
Mrs Read will take up her appointment as His Majesty’s Greffier on Monday 28 April.
She is replacing Jon Torode in the role, after he retired in March following 14 years in the post.
As Greffier, Mrs Read will also take on other key responsibilities such as 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.
Additionally, she will be the Registrar-General of births, deaths, and marriages in the island.
Mrs Read said it will be an honour to carry out all of these duties on behalf of the King.
“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.”
HM Greffier is appointed by warrant of the Sovereign.
The first recorded reference to the role dates from the early thirteenth century and Mrs Read is the first woman to have been recorded being appointed to the role.
As well as taking on the duties listed above, Mrs Read will also be responsible for the ongoing implementation of the digitalisation of the Court systems.
HM Greffier Antonia Read
Antonia 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. This work involved representing the island’s Financial Intelligence Service at a local, national, and international level.
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.
Mrs Read 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. This role gave her further experience working with children and families.
During her policing career, Mrs Read completed Senior Leadership Training at the UK College of Policing and was awarded CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership.