The AYJ appoints new Chief Executive!
The Alliance for Youth Justice (AYJ) is delighted to announce that Jess Mullen will be joining the organisation as its new Chief Executive in May.
Jess brings twenty years’ experience from working in the voluntary sector to challenge systemic injustice, by supporting and empowering people who are marginalised or discriminated against to make their voices heard and to advocate for their needs. She is currently Chief Executive at Collective Voice, the national alliance of drug and alcohol treatment and recovery charities, and was previously Director of Influence and Communications at Clinks, the national charity for voluntary sector organisations working in criminal justice. At Clinks she led influencing activity to promote the role of the voluntary sector in criminal justice, to tackle racism and discrimination in the justice system, and to highlight the impact of probation reforms on the voluntary sector. She is also a trustee of Hackney Council for Voluntary Services.
Over the past five years, AYJ’s first Chief Executive, Pippa Goodfellow, has overseen a significant programme of strategic development to create a more diverse, engaging, sustainable and effective organisation. Jess will build on this work, leading the AYJ’s management and development through its next phase, when Pippa steps down from the role in March 2024. They will work together in the coming months to facilitate a smooth handover, supported by the AYJ’s Board and staff team.
Reflecting on her appointment, Jess said:
“I have watched the Alliance for Youth Justice grow from strength to strength, broadening its membership, influence and impact under Pippa’s leadership. AYJs non-negotiable stance on putting children first and tackling racism and discrimination, are principles very close to my heart. I am thrilled to be joining the AYJ to build further upon this legacy. I look forward to working alongside AYJ’s impressive and diverse network of members and Young Advocates to ensure that the youth justice system is underpinned by social justice, children’s rights and focuses on positive long-term outcomes.”
AYJ Chair Lesley Tregear said:
“The board is delighted to welcome Jess Mullen as the new Chief Executive of the AYJ. She brings a diverse range of experiences and expertise to the role from a number of charitable organisations, including working in partnership with the AYJ over many years. Her wealth of experience will support us in achieving our ambitious strategic aims, including our work to address racism and other forms of discrimination in the youth justice system. We look forward to working with Jess and are confident that she will lead the AYJ further forward through our next phase of development.
Jess will pick up the reins of the AYJ from Pippa Goodfellow, who is moving on to a brilliant new position with the Children's Society, one of our longstanding organisational members. Pippa and Jess will work closely together to hand over our leadership throughout this transition. We also take this opportunity to thank Pippa for her excellent leadership as our first Chief Executive and wish her all the best in her new role.
Outgoing Chief Executive, Pippa Goodfellow, is taking up the position of Director of Youth Impact, Policy and Research at the Children’s Society. She said:
“It has been an honour to lead and develop the AYJ over the past five years, and I am incredibly proud of what has been achieved through a truly collaborative effort during this time. We have undertaken a transformative programme of work to create a more sustainable and effective organisation - with a strategic review and rebrand, improving operations and governance, diversifying and strengthening our networks and partnerships, and working alongside children and young people to amplify their voices. We have emerged as a strong, highly respected and efficient network which punches ‘above its weight’ with decision-makers across criminal and social justice.
Jess and I have worked closely together in several roles over many years, and I am extremely happy to be handing over to such a capable, enthusiastic and impactful colleague, who is also a pleasure to work with. I am excited for the future of the AYJ under her leadership and look forward to contributing to the alliance’s collaborative work in my new role.”