This week the AYJ says goodbye to Pippa Goodfellow, who has been the AYJ’s Chief Executive for the past five years.

The Alliance for Youth Justice (AYJ) is delighted to announce the appointment of Jess Mullen as its new Chief Executive, who will be joining the organisation in May.

Saqib Deshmukh, our Interim CEO, shares his thoughts on the AYJ’s present progress and future plans.

“I have long been drawn to a career in which I can amplify the voices of those who often go unheard, and facilitate their empowerment as real changemakers in confronting injustice.”

The AYJ is delighted to announce the appointment of Saqib Deshmukh, who will join us as our Interim CEO from July 2022 for 12-months.

In her new role, Millie will be leading the development and delivery of AYJ’s programme of policy and parliamentary work and implementing the influencing strategy.

Millie will be working on all things communications and engagement, assisting with the development of the AYJ’s communications strategy and leading on its implementation to reach a variety of audiences including policy makers, the public, AYJ members and the wider sector.

As her final week with us draws to a close, Amania Scott-Samuels, our Policy and Engagement Assistant, shares reflections on some of the things she has learned in her time at the AYJ.

“Hello everyone! I’m Millie, the new Communications Assistant at the SCYJ. I am joining the SCYJ out of my dedication to holistically support vulnerable young people facing adversity, and also to help address the gross overrepresentation of BAME children and young people in the youth justice system (YJS).

“I have always been keen to bridge gaps between underrepresented groups and those making the decisions that have such a significant impact on their lives. Growing up in Brixton and seeing many of those close to me affected by the criminal justice system (CJS) led me to study Criminology at university.