Saqib Deshmukh appointed as AYJ’s Interim Chief Executive
In his new role, Saqib will lead the AYJ through the next stage of our growth, working alongside the talented staff team, Board and network of member organisations at an extremely important time for children and youth justice.
AYJ’s first Chief Executive, Pippa Goodfellow, was appointed in 2019 and has since overseen a significant programme of strategic development to create a more engaging, sustainable and effective organisation. She will be taking a year of sabbatical leave from July 2022, when Saqib will take on leadership of the AYJ’s management and development throughout this period.
AYJ Chair, Lesley Tregear said:
“We are pleased to welcome Saqib Deshmukh to the AYJ in the role of Interim Chief Executive during Pippa's sabbatical. Saqib will deliver the programme of work in our strategic plan, including a particular focus on AYJ’s aim to address the disproportionality experienced by minoritised children in contact with the criminal justice system. We are pleased that Saqib will continue our good work and source new opportunities to deliver even more in the future. The Board is looking forward to working with Saqib and the rest of the AYJ team during the next 12 months.”
Reflecting on his appointment, Saqib Deshmukh said:
“I'm really looking forward to taking on the role of Interim CEO at AYJ, building on the work of Pippa and the team to re-establish the organisation during a challenging period through the pandemic. Perhaps now more than ever there is a need to champion the rights of children and young people in youth justice system, giving them agency and support through strong models of practice. We will continue to support our network of members nationally who are doing powerful work in this space. Finally, in this post George Floyd and Child Q moment, that our commitment at the AYJ to anti-racist and anti-oppressive practice is real and demonstrable.”
The AYJ would like to extend huge thanks and appreciation to the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Paul Hamlyn Foundation for their support and for making this fantastic appointment possible.