Lin Hinnigan named as YJB chief executive
Neil Puffett
Monday, December 3, 2012
A former social worker and educational psychologist has been selected as the new chief executive of the Youth Justice Board, it has been announced.
Lin Hinnigan, who was most recently interim chief executive of the Teaching Agency, will take over from current YJB chief executive John Drew in March 2013.
YJB chair Frances Done said Hinnigan’s professional background “has its roots in working with children and young people”.
After spending her early career working as a teacher and social worker, she trained as an educational psychologist and spent five years as principal educational psychologist at Coventry City Council.
She later moved into the civil service with roles including area director of the West Midland Court Service and head of legal services regulation and redress in the Ministry of Justice.
Most recently she has filled the chief executive roles at the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency, and the Teaching Agency.
Her appointment comes less than two weeks after Justice Secretary Chris Grayling announced a review of the youth justice secure estate in order to give it a “stronger educational heart”.
Frances Done, chair of the YJB, described Hinnigan as an “exceptional leader who understands the challenges of youth justice”.
“I know she will continue the successful work of the Youth Justice Board and help us with the major challenge of driving down youth crime and reoffending rates.
“I wish her a warm welcome and know that she will bring her enthusiasm and substantial experience across local and central government to help the YJB achieve its objectives.”
John Drew will leave at the end of February 2013.
Andrew Neilson, director of campaigns at the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “Under John Drew’s leadership the Youth Justice Board has seen a sustained drop in the number of children entering custody and we hope that Lin Hinnigan will continue to make inroads into reducing the child prison population in this country.
"Given her background, perhaps this is also evidence that ministers are serious about trying to put education at the heart of youth custody.”
Penelope Gibbs, chair of the Standing Committee for Youth Justice, said her organisation hopes Hinnigan will “follow John Drew's lead” in advocating for the rights and welfare of children in trouble.
