The St John Emergency Ambulance Service has appointed a new Deputy Chief Officer.

Joel de Woolfson, a senior communications officer for the States of Guernsey, was appointed by the Service’s Board following a competitive recruitment process. He will take up the role next Monday (21st January).

The position of Deputy Chief Officer has been filled on an acting basis since its previous incumbent, Alison Marquis, was promoted to Chief Officer last year. Mr de Woolfson will support the Chief Officer on strategy, policy and the management of the Service.

Chris Atkinson, the St John Emergency Ambulance Service Board Member who chaired the selection panel, said: ‘The Board is delighted to have appointed Joel to this important role. Joel impressed us greatly with not only his leadership values and qualities, but his knowledge of the issues the Service faces as it embarks on a period of change.’

Alison Marquis, St John Emergency Ambulance Service Chief Officer, said: ‘We were very pleased to receive a number of strong applications for this senior management role. Joel clearly has significant experience working in support of the emergency services and wider government. He has a clear understanding of the direction of travel for the Service as we work in collaboration with Health & Social Care on our plans for the future.’

Mr de Woolfson said: ‘The Emergency Ambulance Service is much-loved in our community and with good reason. It consistently delivers excellent care to islanders in need. I am very much looking forward to supporting the Chief Officer and colleagues throughout the Service to ensure that we continue meeting the needs of the community.’

As part of his current role, Mr de Woolfson has accumulated significant experience working at a senior level across government including providing support and advice to States of Guernsey committees.

Mr de Woolfson also has experience working within the emergency services, having previously been a civilian member of Bailiwick Law Enforcement’s senior management team from 2014-16. In 2015 Mr de Woolfson worked alongside a review panel examining ‘Guernsey’s Future Ambulance Service’.