15 January 2008
Frances Done CBE has been appointed as the Chair of the Youth Justice Board and will take up position from 1 February 2008, the Secretary of State for Justice and the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families announced today.
Secretary of State for Justice, Jack Straw said:
'I am pleased Frances Done has accepted the position as Chair of the Youth Justice Board. Her background and experience will bring real benefits to the Youth Justice Board as it moves forward. The reform of the Youth Justice system 10 years ago and the creation of the YJB are among my proudest achievements. I have taken a personal interest in progress in the Youth Justice system and I look forward to further improvements in this area.'
Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls said:
'This important appointment comes at a critical time for the implementation of the Children's Plan and the Government's plans to create a modern youth justice system. Frances Done's experience in both the public and the private sector and her track record on delivery will contribute enormously to the challenges we face in tackling youth crime. I'm sure she will play a pivotal role in bringing all the relevant partners on board to tackle the multiple problems of young people who offend. We will also look to her to deliver on the Youth Justice Board's target to reduce re-offending.'
Frances Done said:
'I'm delighted to be taking on the role of Chair of the Youth Justice Board at a time when the Secretaries of State have so clearly demonstrated their commitment to genuine partnership.
'The Board plays a crucial role in working with partners to protect both the public and the interests of children and young people. I look forward to collaborating with all those who can help to build safer communities and ensure that young people do not end up in the criminal justice system.'
The appointment was made by the Secretary of State for Justice and the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families after an open selection process conducted under the guidance of the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments following the recommendation of a panel comprising Helen Edwards, NOMS Chief Executive, Lesley Longstone, Director General Young People Directorate, Department for Children, Schools and Families and an Independent Assessor from the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA).
Notes to editors
1. Youth Justice Board for England and Wales is an executive non-departmental public body established under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to monitor the operation and performance of the youth justice system and to identify and disseminate good practice to prevent offending by children and young people. The Board is also responsible for commissioning services for young people under 18 who are sentenced and remanded to secure facilities.
2. This appointment is initially for three years, with an option for ministers to reappoint subject to the provisions of the public appointment code. The annual salary will be £85,000.
3. Frances Done's career has spanned both public and private sectors.
In October 2007 she completed nine months as Interim Director General of the Royal British Legion.
From 2003 until October 2006, she was Managing Director, Local Government at the Audit Commission with responsibility for all the Commission's audit and inspection work in relation to local government and the fire service in England.
Before that, for three years from 2000, Frances was Chief Executive of Manchester 2002 - the Organising Committee of the XVII Commonwealth Games - the biggest multi-sport event ever hosted by the UK.
She is currently honorary Chairman of the Waterways Trust, a charity which promotes the educational, social and environmental benefits of the inland waterways for all sections of the community.
A graduate of Manchester University, Frances trained as a chartered accountant and worked for KPMG for nine years. She served as an elected member of Manchester City Council for thirteen years before retiring from political activity twenty years ago. She has held senior posts as Treasurer and later Chief Executive of Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council. She is married with two sons.
4. Frances Done holds no other ministerial public appointments.
5. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process.