Claire Lightowler has announced that she will be resigning as Director of the Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice (CYCJ) in April 2021, after seven years in the role.
CYCJ has recently announced a new name, a five year strategy and has a clear plan for how youth justice in Scotland can be improved in its ‘Rights Respecting? Scotland’s approach to children in conflict with the law’ report. Claire has come to the conclusion that CYCJ is in a strong position, and now is an opportune and positive time to hand over leadership as the next phase of development as the Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice begins.
Claire said:
“It has been an absolute honour to have been the Director of CYCJ for the past seven years. I am incredibly proud of what the team and what I personally have achieved but also very much aware of the many things that have not changed for the better during this time. I’ve reached the point where it feels like I’ve done everything I can and that CYCJ is ready for new thinking and energy.
“With a new name, strategy and a clear plan for how youth justice in Scotland could be improved, I believe that I am handing over a strong centre and a highly motivated team. I leave with the satisfaction that I’ve given it my all, with the knowledge that it’s the right time to go, but also with some sadness at leaving a centre and a group of people I could not be prouder of.”
Sandy Cameron, Chair of CYCJ’s Executive Governance Group (EGG), said:
“During her time at CYCJ, Claire’s contribution to the rights and wellbeing of children and young people has been enormous. Her passion and deep knowledge of the field will be greatly missed but we fully recognise her desire to move on and we thank her for all that she has done to establish CYCJ as a leading centre of excellence.”
The EGG are currently considering the recruitment of a new director. They are keen to attract someone with passion and determination, and with strong youth justice expertise and knowledge from either one or all the worlds of research, policy, practice and/or participation.
Recruitment will begin in December, with interviews planned for January 2021. Details will be announced on CYCJ’s website, e-bulletin and social media accounts. If you wish to have an informal discussion about applying for the role, please contact claire.lightowler@strath.ac.uk or cameronsathome@btinternet.com.