A UK prison governor with over three decades of experience and an OBE for his services to justice has been appointed to lead Jersey’s prison service from September.
Paul Yates OBE, currently Governor of HMP Nottingham, will take over as Governor of HMP La Moye from 1 September on a three-year term.
Mr Yates has worked in criminal justice for over 30 years and was awarded an OBE in 2021 for services to prisons, probation, reducing reoffending and public protection.
His appointment follows the departure of Susie Richardson, who stepped down as La Moye’s Governor last year after three-and-a-half years in the role.
Since then, the prison has been led by Acting Governor Artur Soliwoda.
Mr Yates said: “I am very pleased to take on this role.
“My priority is to build on the excellent work already in train by the team at HMP La Moye and I am looking forward serving the States of Jersey, and the people of Jersey.
“At HMP Nottinghamshire I have pursued a passion for building a rehabilitative culture, reducing re-offending and public protection.
“I look forward to building on the work happening at La Moye and combining my skills and experience with that of the senior team at La Moye to ensure the best outcomes for all prisoners.”
Mr Yates began his career in 1988 as a youth worker in Nottingham before joining the probation service and qualifying in 1996.
He worked his way up to Assistant Chief Probation Officer in Derbyshire before moving into the prison service in 2008.
He has since held senior positions at HMP Sudbury, HMP North Sea Camp, HMP & YOI Lincoln and HMP Nottingham.
As Governor of HMP Lincoln, he led a number of prison reform projects, including a new strategy to reduce self-harm and violence and initiatives such as a prisoner call centre and “departure lounge” to support people on release.
Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat said: “I welcome Paul to the Justice and Home Affairs family in this important senior leadership role and look forward to the skills and experience he has built in his diverse career benefitting the States of Jersey Prison Service.
“Paul was chosen from a very strong field of external candidates.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Artur Soliwoda for the excellent role he has played as Acting Governor, leading HMP La Moye and the States of Jersey Prison Service.”
