The Parish and Community of Castel, Guernsey

Parish Administration - Overview

Parochial Administration - Overview:-

A total of twelve Douzeniers are elected by the electors of the parish to serve a term of 6 years - 2 are elected every year. This is in order to provide for parochial continuity. The longest serving Douzenier is automatically the 'Dean' of the Douzaine and the next longest serving the Vice Dean. There is a strict hierarchy, the newest Douzenier sits at the farthest end of the table away from the Dean, and adjacent to the Constables. As new Douzeniers are elected, they move up the table.

The Constables are the Executives of the Parish, and are elected for a period of two years by the electorate, the first served as Junior Constable, the next as Senior Constable. Strangely, in the Castel Parish, it is usual to have to be elected first as Junior Procurer, then to progress to Senior Procurer, which are the two lowest civil elected posts in the parish, then to be elected from Senior Procurer, to Junior Constable - which is an executive post. If the Constable has done their job well, they are likely to be encouraged by the Douzeniers to stand for the position of Douzenier.

The Junior Constable takes the minutes at Parish and Douzaine meetings, along with miscellaneous other duties.

The Procurers are responsible for the allocation of money to those people in the parish who have no other form of income - for whatever reason.

The day to day administration of the parish is carried out by the Secretary to the Douzaine and Constables - more usually known as the 'Parish Secretary' - who is in attendance most mornings - Monday to Friday. The 'Parish Caretaker' cares for parish property.

For more information see the specific areas.

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