Local community stalwart Jon Beausire has been appointed as the Chair of The Children’s Convenor and Tribunal Board.

The Children’s Convenor and Tribunal Board is an independent body that provides the Children’s Convenor and President of the Child, Youth and Community Tribunal (CYCT) with advice, guidance and support as and when required, to help them carry out their statutory functions, as well as securing the resources required.

Appointed by the Committee for Health & Social Care, Board Members must have knowledge and experience relevant to the functions of The Children’s Tribunal System.

Guernsey born and bred, Jon has a wealth of experience within the area of children’s welfare, having trained as one of the original Tribunal Members following the inception of the 2008 Children Law. During his time, he participated in and chaired many Hearings, gathering a direct understanding of the issues faced by the islands’ young people and their families.

Having sat as a Tribunal Member for five years, he went on to join the Board, serving two terms before taking a break to focus on his role as an elected Constable for the parish of Castel, followed by a Castel Douzenier.

A chartered manager, Jon is probably best known as the former Chief Officer of the St John Ambulance & Rescue Service, a role he held for nine years until his retirement. He had a distinguished 30-year career with the service, during which time he held various senior roles working alongside the islands’ politicians and senior civil servants.

Jon said: “I am delighted to join a very strong group of individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, ensuring that we can provide the best possible advice and support to the Children’s Convenor and the CYCT.

“I have worked with the Children’s Tribunal System since the very beginning, and I have seen what started as an innovative and revolutionary system for Guernsey and Alderney evolve into a truly holistic and people-centred way of supporting our islands’ children and young people.

“As a father and a grandfather and as a previous Tribunal Member, I have seen first-hand the issues faced by families, so it is my honour to be able to assist and support those carrying out their complex and challenging roles in safeguarding children and ensuring they are listened to.”

This news follows the recent appointments of Juliet Bousfield, Charlie Cox and Alison Rimington, who all joined the Board earlier this year.