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 Convenor and Tribunal Board is looking to recruit a new Chair of the Board as Jon Beausire steps down. The Board is the independent body that supports the Office of the Children’s Convenor and the Child Youth and Community Tribunal. It consists of up to eight members, one of whom holds the position of Chair.

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 States of Guernsey and the Islands Safeguarding Children Partnership are once again hosting the Level 3 Safeguarding Children & Young People, with a half day course on The Role of the Children's Convenor and Child Youth and Community Tribunal in 2025. This course provides an understanding of the role of the Children’s Convenor and Child, Youth and Community Tribunal so that delegates will be better equipped to decide whether or not to refer a child to the Children’s Convenor and to explain to children and families involved in Tribunal proceedings what is happening and what to expect.

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.