Ashley Rawles has been appointed as the Chair of the Children’s Convenor and Tribunal Board, an essential part of the Children’s Tribunal Service. The Board is an independent body that provides the Children’s Convenor and the President of the Child, Youth and Community Tribunal with strategic advice, guidance, and support to help them fulfil their statutory responsibilities. Board Members are appointed by the Committee for Health & Social Care and must bring knowledge and experience relevant to the functions of the Children’s Tribunal Service.

Government House hosted a special evening last week, Thursday 6 November, marking 15 years since the introduction of the Children’s Tribunal System and the implementation of the Children (Guernsey and Alderney) Law — a landmark piece of legislation that transformed how the Bailiwick supports and protects children and young people.

The Child, Youth, and Community Tribunal welcomes a new President and 10 Tribunal Members, reinforcing its commitment to improving the lives of children and young people across Guernsey and Alderney. Steve Melbourne MBE steps into the role of President, succeeding Ashley Rawles, who has led the Tribunal with dedication for the past six years. Steve, an Inclusion Officer for the States of Guernsey, has been a Tribunal Member since 2020 and has served as Deputy President since August 2023.

The Child, Youth and Community Tribunal (the CYCT) is looking to recruit new volunteers as part of its latest Tribunal Member recruitment drive, as it continues to make a difference to the lives of children in the Bailiwick. Part of the Children’s Tribunal System, the Tribunal offers children and young people in need of guidance or support the opportunity to have their situation heard and have their say outside of a court environment.

The Convenor and Tribunal Board, part of the Children’s Tribunal System, has appointed three new members to its Board. Juliet Bousfield, Charlie Cox and Alison Rimington have all joined the Board which has oversight of the delivery of the strategic objectives for the Children’s Tribunal System. The Board is an independent body that provides the Children’s Convenor and President of the Child, Youth and Community Tribunal (the CYCT) with advice, guidance and support as and when required, to help them carry out their statutory functions, as well as securing the resources required.

Following the successful secondment of a Children’s Reporter from the Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration last year, we have continued to develop our strong links with Scotland and will be offering another secondment opportunity this summer. Liz Ann Miller took up the role last year, bringing her knowledge and skills to the Bailiwick to support the team. She reflects on her experiences of the island ahead of this year’s appointment.