09 October 2007
The Youth Justice Minister, David Hanson, and the Children's Minister, Beverley Hughes, have appointed Andrew Williamson and Peter Smallridge as co-chairs of the independent review of restraint in juvenile secure settings.
The review, which was announced by David Hanson in July, will encompass policy and practice on the use of restraint across a range of juvenile secure settings, including Secure Training Centres (STC), Secure Children's Homes (SCH) and Young Offender Institutions (YOIs).
It will examine the operational efficacy, safety, (including medical safety), and ethical validity of restraint methods, in juvenile secure settings, including Physical Control in Care (PCC)the system of restraint used only in secure training Centresand the circumstances in which they may be used. The system of training provided to staff using restraint in juvenile secure settings will also be scrutinised, including how such training is monitored, reviewed and accredited.
Andrew Williamson has been Director of Social Services for Devon and is currently Chair of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly NHS Trust. He has recently conducted an independent review of child protection arrangements in Jersey and has worked for the Department for International Development, establishing standards and inspection processes for children's services in Eastern Europe. He is a former Secretary of the Association of Directors of Social Services.
Peter Smallridge has been Director of Social Services for Warwickshire and Kent, and is currently chair of Kent and Medway NHS Trust. He has also recently been working as Interim Director of Social Services in the Isle of Man. He has worked previously with Andrew Williamson in roles in the UK and in Eastern Europe. He has served as President of the Association of Directors of Social Services.
They both also have considerable experience of participating in and chairing reviews in the NHS and in Social Services.
David Hanson and Beverley Hughes said:
"We are delighted that Mr Williamson and Mr Smallridge have agreed to chair this important review. Their individual and combined experience in social, children's and mental health services makes them well qualified to undertake this inquiry. They have a background of working effectively together. Their findings will play a vital part in ensuring that the Government fulfils its duty of care towards young people in custody, and we look forward to reading their report."
It is expected that the review will report to Ministers within six months of the appointment of the Chair.
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