The Youth Justice Board (YJB), has produced materials that highlight where disproportionality occurs to help bring about change.

The data, from a range of sources, is highlighted within a presentation and an infographic. Journey of the child: infographic (PDF, 875KB, 1 page)

The findings are sobering. From early years through to adult life, there is compelling evidence that children from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds fare worse than the general population.

In general, BAME children appear to be over-represented at most stages of the youth justice system. In most cases, this is driven by the over-representation of black children, who are more likely to be arrested, face harsher penalties and are less likely to break free from a cycle of offending.

Colin Allars, Chief Executive of the YJB, said:

Present levels of disproportionality affecting children across the Criminal Justice System are unacceptable.

A child’s ethnicity should play no part in their experience of the youth justice system and that is why disproportionality is one of six priorities for the Youth justice Board.

We know that the changes needed are complex but we are determined to play our part. The YJB has published new materials that show how disproportionality is evident in multiple areas including indicators of poverty, arrest rates and youth custody. It follows the journey of the child to show where disproportionality occurs.

Alongside publishing the journey of the child materials, we are working with partners, including the police and government to make changes to their practices and to raise awareness and funding pathfinders to develop and promote good practice.

The materials include:

Call to run a project to support people with multiple barriers get closer to the labour market in the Enterprise M3 LEP area.

The Taoiseach congratulated the Prime Minister on his appointment and both leaders underscored their commitment to working closely together in the spirit of the warm and deep relationship between the UK and Ireland.

On the process of restoring the Executive and Assembly in Northern Ireland, both leaders expressed their determination to see this happen as quickly as possible.

The Prime Minister said the ongoing talks have his unequivocal support and that he wanted to continue to work closely with the Irish government to help drive the process towards a successful conclusion. He said he looked forward to visiting Northern Ireland shortly and talking to the leaders of the five main parties about this.

On Brexit, the Prime Minister made clear that the UK will be leaving the EU on October 31, no matter what.

He said that in all scenarios, the Government will be steadfast in its commitment to the Belfast Agreement and will never put physical checks or physical infrastructure on the border.

The Prime Minister made clear that the government will approach any negotiations which take place with determination and energy and in a spirit of friendship, and that his clear preference is to leave the EU with a deal, but it must be one that abolishes the backstop.

The two leaders agreed to stay in contact.

He will take over the Chair role in November 2019 and head up the board for DE&S, the MOD’s enabling organisation established to equip and support the UK’s armed forces for operations now and in the future, ensuring its effectiveness in all aspects of its role.

As a non-executive chair, he will work with the Chief Executive to provide strategic leadership to the organisation and be accountable to Ministers at MOD for the work of DE&S.

The new DE&S Chair Mark Russell CBE said:

I am delighted to be appointed to the role of Chair of DE&S. I am greatly looking forward to working with the DE&S team, and with MOD colleagues, to continue the important work of maximising value and efficiencies across defence and in partnering more effectively with private sector suppliers.

With more than 12,500 civilian and military staff, DE&S is a professional defence acquisition organisation responsible for a range of complex programmes that provide the equipment and support that the UK’s armed forces need to operate effectively.

Mark joins DE&S from UK Government Investments, HMG’s centre of excellence for Corporate Finance and Corporate Governance where he held the Chief Executive appointment for six years. Mark has extensive experience in corporate finance and strategy, across both the public and private sector.

Announcing the appointment, MOD Permanent Secretary Sir Stephen Lovegrove said:

I am delighted to welcome Mark to the role of DE&S Chair. He has extensive experience across both the private sector and government and I look forward to working with him on equipping Defence to meet the threats of today and in the future.