Meet the AYJ Board: Lesley Tregear
Get to know our Board Member - Lesley Tregear of the Association of Youth Offending Team Managers.
“Aside from being an AYJ Board Member, I…
I am the Policy and Communications Officer for the Association of Youth Offending Team Managers (AYM) and Learning Coach for Unitas Youth Justice Foundation Degree and BA Degrees, aimed at professionals in youth justice, particularly those working within the youth secure estate.
I am also a musician!”
“Being an AYJ Board Member means…
I am able to utilise my skills and experience of more than 30 years of working in youth justice, initially as a front line practitioner and for many years as the Head of Service for a large youth offending service (YOS). I also developed the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) for children and adults in the local authority I worked for, which provides an opportunity to share my experience of managing change in large and diverse organisations and the importance of partnership working.”
“I joined the fight for youth justice because…
Things always need improving and there is a long way to go in improving the way in which organisations work with children in contact with the law and the outcomes achieved for and by those children and young people.”
“In the next 5 years, I hope to see…
Disproportionality of BAME children in the criminal justice system, and in particular those in custody, reduced.
Increased prevention and diversionary interventions delivered by agencies in order to support continued reductions in children entering the criminal justice system.
Improved and sustainable outcomes for children who have been in contact with the law.
A more appropriate intervention to youth custody developed which truly supports rehabilitation.
An increase in the minimum age of criminal responsibility.”
“To me, youth justice means…
Ensuring all children are treated justly and not demonized for their behaviours. It’s about being empathic and responding appropriately, taking into account child and adolescent development and traumas experienced by many children in contact with the law.”
“One thing we can learn from children and young people is…
Things can change and we can make those changes – regardless of how difficult it might seem to begin with.”
“For children and young people, I hope for a future where…
They feel listened to and that they feel they can positively influence their lives and the lives of others.”
“Dear my younger self…
Make the most of opportunities offered to you, regardless of what your friends think – don’t live to regret something because others decry it, it may not be for them but it might be right for you!”
Keep up to date with Lesley’s work…
- Association of Youth Offending Team Managers
- Unitas