The Child, Youth, and Community Tribunal has welcomed a new President and 10 Tribunal Members.
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.
A respected figure in the local community with a military background, Steve previously held the position of Rugby Development Officer for the Guernsey Rugby Association. His contributions earned him an MBE in the 2013 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for Services to Recover and Rehabilitation of Long-Term Wounded, Injured and Sick Servicemen and women.
Meanwhile, the new Tribunal Members have successfully completed 55 hours of essential pre-service training and are now fully prepared to participate in Tribunal Hearings, making critical decisions for children and young people in need of protection, guidance, or support.
When a young person is referred to the Office of the Children’s Convenor – an independent public office – the Convenor investigates the case. If compulsory intervention is deemed necessary and the grounds for referral are accepted by the child and their family, a Tribunal Hearing is arranged, ensuring the child or young person, along with their family or carers, remains central to the process.
Cases are heard by a panel of three fully trained volunteer Tribunal Members, who assess the facts and information presented before making legally binding decisions focused on the child’s best interests. This non-adversarial system ensures that the views and experiences of children and young people are at the heart of every decision made.
Tribunal Members commit to at least one hearing per month, with the average participation being two. Their appointment spans an initial term of three years, with the potential for renewal following satisfactory performance monitoring.
The organisation now comprises 37 Tribunal Members, including the President, each bringing a diverse range of skills and experiences to the Tribunal.
Steve expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating: “Ashley has provided exceptional leadership and dedication to this service, and I am honoured to follow in her footsteps. I am excited to lead our committed volunteers and support them as they continue the essential work of ensuring every decision is made with the best interests of the children and young people we serve at heart.”
Pictured: Steve Melbourne, Ashley Rawles, Karen Brady and Jon Beausire
