Bracknell Forest Youth Justice Plan 2024 to 2027 - 4.3 Board development

A new Independent Chair of the Youth Justice Management Board came into post in May 2023 and, as part of his induction, he individually met with all management group members to introduce himself and to agree how best they could contribute to the Board going forward. As a result, attendance and engagement by senior managers from both statutory and non-statutory partners has improved.

In 2023/24, all statutory partners gave an update of their key priorities and contribution to the Youth Justice Team, and this will continue into 2024/27, taking account of the inspection action plan. The Board’s meetings continue to be face-to-face for most attendees, with hybrid options available to facilitate partners’ attendance where physical attendance is a challenge.

Refreshed Terms of Reference, which used sector guidance from the Youth Justice Board and Ministry of Justice on good governance, were updated and agreed in September 2022. An induction pack to support all new and existing members in understanding their governance role continues to be valued.

Each Board member continues to have an open invitation to observe the Youth Justice Team’s monthly Risk Focus meeting to have a better understanding of the work of the team, the nature of offending and the needs of the children with whom the team works. This brings the operational work of the team closer to the Board and informs discussions and decisions. The take-up of this remains positive and will continue into this years’ plan so that all Board members can forge closer links with staff.

The Youth Justice Management Board meets bi-monthly. Below is the attendance from the last 3 meetings: