13 December 2007
Written ministerial statement by Jack Straw on delivering improved outcomes for young black people in the criminal justice system.
The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (Jack Straw):
I am today announcing the publication of detailed operating proposals to deliver the commitments made in the Government response to the Home Affairs Select Committee Inquiry into young black people and the criminal justice system. Details of these arrangements are contained in an Action Plan, copies of which have been placed in the libraries of both Houses, the Vote Office and Printed Paper Office. The details will also be published on the Ministry of Justice website.
The Government responded to the Committee's report on 18 October 2007 (CM 7214), and committed to publishing detailed operating proposals for delivery of the commitments made in the main response. This statement summarises the governance structure and reporting arrangements that will drive and support delivery and enable Government to monitor and report progress on reducing the over-representation of young black people in the criminal justice system.
Ministerial champion
I will act as the ministerial champion for this work.
Ministerial leadership
The National Criminal Justice Board (NCJB) will provide ministerial stewardship and oversight of delivery of the action plan, reporting to the Domestic Affairs Sub-Committee on Justice and Crime as appropriate. Delivery of the commitments made and the associated work programme will be monitored, driven and reported through the Public Service Agreement (PSA) framework and existing Departmental reporting arrangements. There will also be additional annual progress reports.
Official leadership
The Chief Executive of the Office for Criminal Justice Reform is nominated the Senior Responsible Owner for this work programme. Oversight at a senior official level will be provided by existing cross-Government groups with a specific focus on race issues.
External advisory function
The Equalities and Human Rights Commission will provide independent scrutiny and challenge functions for this work programme. In addition, a series of structured engagement events involving key commentators and community workers will be undertaken on a quarterly basis to draw on the knowledge and expertise of a wider group of individuals and organisations.