The Douzeniers of St Andrews serve the parish voluntarily, managing its affairs to ensure its smooth operation.
Each Parish in Guernsey has a Douzaine with slightly different structures, but their roles remain fundamentally the same. In St Andrews, the Douzaine consists of twelve elected Douzeniers, each with voting rights. The Dean, who is the most senior member, provides historical knowledge and guidance during meetings. There are also two Constables, a senior and a junior, who also have a vote and they serve as the executive office of the Parish, ensuring that duties are carried out effectively. The Parish Clerk, a paid employee, manages day-to-day tasks and reports to the Constables.
The Douzeniers oversee parish affairs and can be represented on the Parochial Church Management Board and other committees. They can also assist the Constables. They can also act as a communication link between the Parish and the States' bodies, relaying information between parishioners and officials on matters affecting the community. While some tasks are rooted in tradition, many have been adapted to meet modern needs.
Funding for the Douzaine’s work comes from Parish rates, which are based on the TRP value of local properties and land. In St Andrews, these secular rates primarily fund refuse collection and disposal, property maintenance, and operational costs, including the Parish Clerk’s salary. Ecclesiastical rates are raised separately for church maintenance through the Parochial Church Management Board on which two Constables or Douzeniers sit alongside the Rector and Church Wardens and two parish representatives elected annually.
The Constable and Douzeniers manage parish properties, including the Douzaine building, Rectory, and St Andrews Community Centre. They also oversee hedge and douit clearing, issue liquor and entertainment licenses, collect dog tax, and grant bornements and permits for building works. Meeting monthly, they handle various duties such as organising elections, managing the parish cemetery and parish properties, overseeing community events, inspecting roads and building developments, and managing refuse collection contracts and parish rates.
Aside from administrative duties, the Douzaine acts as a sounding board for proposed States' policies that may impact the Parish and represents parishioners' views to the Island's Deputies. Parishioners can bring concerns or suggestions to the Douzaine for consideration.
Meetings are held on the last Monday of each month, except in August. When a Bank Holiday falls on that day, the meeting is rescheduled. The Constables and Parish Clerk meet every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday throughout the year, except during holidays.
Meetings are held on the last Monday of each month, except in August. When a Bank Holiday falls on that day, the meeting is rescheduled. The Constables and Parish Clerk meet every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday throughout the year, except during holidays.
Douzeniers serve for terms of up to four years and may stand for re-election to continue their voluntary service.
Parish Elections take place in November. Details on the election process can be found here.
