New Chair of YJB visits Staffordshire Youth Offending Service

Frances Done CBE came to visit SYOS on Wednesday 12th March. She was newly appointed as Chair of the YJB on 1st February 2008.

Her 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 Chair 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. (Source: YJB Website)

During Frances' visit she spent time with Sharon Moore, Assistant Director, discussing the positive work carried out by SYOS. It also gave an opportunity for Sharon to raise any issues of concern that the Service has.

There was time for Frances to meet and speak with the new SYOS Prevention Manager, Karl Hobson, Julie Roper (YOT Prevention Worker) and PC Steve Stackhouse (YOT Police Officer). They discussed the future of the Prevention Service and developments in the Staffordshire area.

A lunch followed providing time to meet and greet workers from 'Staffordshire Safer and Stronger Communities' as well as other SYOS workers and managers and Community Panel Members.

 

 

Later in the afternoon Frances Done had an opportunity to learn more about the Staffordshire Intensive Fostering Programme. She talked about the IFP with Jon White (Policy Manager) and Alex Griffiths (Programme Supervisor). Frances also got to meet a Foster Carer and young person who are both involved in the programme.

Frances talked about the light touch approach she sees the YJB taking in future, allowing SYOS to focus resources and attention on the issues which need to be addressed locally, with the YJB having more of strategic role in tackling the issues that stand in the way and impact upon young people's rehabilitation.

Frances Done was suitably impressed by the work of Staffordshire Youth Offending Service. She has agreed to be the key note speaker at this year's Annual Conference to be held at Uttoxeter racecourse on Wednesday 5th November.

Last Modified: 04/06/2009 12:54:39
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