YJB leadership announcement
Lin Hinnigan has today announced her decision to step down from her role as Chief Executive of the Youth Justice Board (YJB) in the summer.
Lin Hinnigan said:
After careful consideration I have decided to step down from the role of Chief Executive.
I joined the YJB because of my strong belief in the youth justice system and its ability to transform the lives of young people. I still feel passionately about this, and am very proud of what the organisation has, and continues to achieve.
I came into post in April 2013, at a time which was deliberately planned to be a year before a new Chair was appointed, so that the YJB should not have a change of Chair and Chief Executive at the same time. It makes sense to repeat that pattern now.
Youth justice, and the YJB, has been subject to constant change and that is set to continue with the youth justice review, so there is never likely to be a time of stability which is a good moment for a Chief Executive to go. But our work contributing to the review itself is now entering its final phases and once Charlie Taylor has reported we will enter into a different phase – a period of transition, which I expect to continue for some years.
I have therefore decided that this is an appropriate time for me to hand over the reins as Chief Executive to someone who can provide continued leadership throughout the next phase.
I have been privileged to work with a talented and committed group of staff within the YJB and the wider youth justice system.
Rt Hon Lord McNally, Chairman of the YJB, said:
I would like to thank and pay tribute to Lin for her major contribution to the YJB over the past three years. She has led the organisation through some challenging times but also through a period when the numbers of both first-time entrants to the youth justice system and young people in custody have fallen to record low levels.
We are extremely grateful to Lin for all she has achieved and wish her well for the future. Lin will continue in post until an appropriate time in the summer. I will make an announcement about her replacement in due course.
Justice Minister Andrew Selous said:
Lin has led the YJB with vision and determination and I am grateful for all her hard work.
Throughout this time Lin’s dedication has never wavered and her commitment to the young people in her care is evident. I wish her all the best for the future.
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