Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, who will chair the YCS Safeguarding Oversight Board and how its members will be appointed.

The Safeguarding Oversight Board will be chaired by the Executive Director of the Youth Custody Service.

The Board will comprise senior leaders in the Youth Custody Service, together with subject matter experts with responsibility for safeguarding, operational delivery, workforce, education, psychology, placements, safer recruitment, data and service-user voice. External safeguarding specialists and partner agencies will also be invited to participate as standing Board members.

The inclusion of external members is essential to provide independent scrutiny, professional challenge and specialist expertise that strengthens safeguarding governance across the youth custodial estate.