New Chair of the Lay Observers' National Council appointed
The Secretary of State for Justice has appointed David Whalley as the Chair of the Lay Observers’ National Council.
The Secretary of State for Justice has appointed David Whalley as the Chair of the Lay Observers’ National Council from 25 November 2024 to 24 November 2027.
Lay Observers (LO) are unpaid public appointees appointed by the Secretary of State under the Criminal Justice Act 1991. They monitor the conditions in which detained persons are transported or held by escort or custody contractors in England and Wales.
LOs are overseen by a National Council, which is led by a non-statutory National Chair. The LO Chair ensures appropriate, regionally based, monitoring by LOs, and maintains links with other bodies such as the Independent Monitoring Boards (IMBs) and prison inspectors.
The appointment of LOs, including the National Chair, are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Appointments comply with the Cabinet Office Governance Code on Public Appointments.
David Whalley
Mr Whalley has been a Lay Observer since 2013. He began his career as a school teacher in Liverpool and Cornwall. His previous roles include: Leader of Cornwall County Council (2005-2009); Ofsted inspector (1994-2003); independent educational consultant and trainer (1994- 2004); and Advisor, Cornwall Local Education Authority (1987-1994). He was also a head teacher in Bude (Cornwall) between 1984 and1987.
David Whalley did not declare any political activity.