The Role of the Lieutenant-Governor in the Bailiwick of Guernsey

The Bailiwick of Guernsey is one of three Crown Dependencies, all of which are self-governing and personal possessions of the Sovereign. Of the three, including Jersey and the Isle of Man, only Guernsey has more than one island jurisdiction. Alderney and Sark being separately governed within the Bailiwick of Guernsey.   

The role of the Lieutenant-Governor is to undertake, on behalf of the Sovereign, many of the functions normally associated with the Head of State in a larger jurisdiction and acts as liaison between the States of Guernsey and the Government of the United Kingdom. The Office of the Lieutenant-Governor deals directly with the Crown Dependencies Department within the Ministry of Justice on many aspects of Government. 

Potential candidates for the role apply for the job as advertised and are interviewed by a panel of senior Bailiwick representatives from the three jurisdictions and their recommendation is passed to His Majesty The King for final Approval. The Lieutenant-Governor is appointed by Royal Warrant, normally for a term of five years.

There are three overlapping roles within the Lieutenant-Governor's remit: Constitutional, Ceremonial and Community.

The broad responsibilities include:

• Representing The King on ceremonial occasions
• Being an impartial adviser to The King on Bailiwick matters
• Regularly attending meetings at the States of Guernsey, the States of Alderney, and Chief Pleas of Sark
• *NEW Granting Royal Assent to Legislation on behalf of HM The King. To understand more, have a look at this flowchart that explains the procedure being followed from 2024 Royal Assent Approval Process. 
• Hosting Royal, ambassadorial and VIP visits and occasions in conjunction with the Islands' civic authorities (The Bailiff's Office)
• Representing the Island at official royal engagements: e.g. funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II and the Coronation of King Charles III.
• Promoting and playing an active part in the social and charitable affairs of the Bailiwick and to promote community activity in these areas, helping to raise the profile of charities in need of further support and aiding them in areas in which they may require assistance. 
• Executive functions relating to the control of immigration, deportation, naturalisation, and the issuing of passports. Reading all the associated paperwork for difficult cases and making decisions where required.
• Licensing authority for the provision of passenger shipping services between Sark, Alderney, and Guernsey
• Communication of recommendations for certain Crown appointments, both insular and within the Church of England
• Making recommendations for the award of honours (knighthood, OBE, MBE, BEM) to Bailiwick residents.
• Liaison with Buckingham Palace for provision of Anniversary and 100th Birthday cards to residents. 
• Providing advice and support to the Bailiwick authorities in dealing with Civil Emergencies
• Working with the local authorities to help promote the interests and profiles of the Bailiwick's Islands 
• Commander-in-Chief of British Armed Forces in the Bailiwick; attending military parades and church services.