Susannah brings a wealth of leadership experience and expertise across youth justice, emergency services and victims’ services. She has previously served as Chief Executive of the National Fire Chiefs Council and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, working closely with partners across emergency services, criminal justice and victim-focused organisations to drive public service transformation.
Susannah previously held the role of Head of London at the YJB before moving to the charity Victim Support as Assistant Chief Executive. There, she led national work on partnerships, performance and strategy, working closely with local and national victims’ service organisations.
Susannah Hancock, YJB Board member, said
My new role as Chief Executive of the Office of the Victim’s Commissioner compliments the lead responsibility I hold for Victims in Youth Justice as a YJB board member – a role I am pleased to be continuing.
Through my work with the YJB, I see first-hand it is crucially important both to respond to children in the justice system in a way that recognises their needs and potential and never to lose sight of the voice and needs of victims and the harm caused to them. Strengthening the evidence base, improving practice and building confidence in how we respond to harm are priorities that cut across both roles. Ultimately if we can prevent and reduce offending by children, there will be fewer victims, which is a key outcome across the youth justice system.
Many children who enter the justice system are themselves victims. Understanding this can help to bridge perspectives. By working together across youth justice and victims’ services partners, we can better support children, better support victims of crime and ultimately create safer communities.
Stephanie Roberts-Bibby, Chief Executive of the YJB, said
I am very pleased to see Susannah take up such an important role in the Office of Victims Commissioner. Susannah has brought a strong and thoughtful focus to victims’ issues through her work with the YJB, and her continued role as our board lead for victims will ensure these perspectives remain central to our work.
At a time when the youth justice system is evolving, maintaining strong partnerships and a clear focus on evidence and outcomes for children, victims and communities is more important than ever.
Susannah’s insight across both roles will help strengthen that connection and better support our collective ambition to deliver a system that responds effectively to the needs of victims while continuing to improve outcomes for children.
Phil Bowen, Interim Chair of the YJB board, said
I congratulate Susannah on her new appointment. Her deep commitment to ensuring that victims’ voices are heard and understood has been evident throughout her work with the YJB.
We are pleased Susannah will continue to serve on the YJB Board with lead responsibility for victims as her perspective remains an important part of our work as we continue to support the sector to navigate the period of change that is in front of us. Consistency of leadership and shared purpose across the system will be vital as we build on what works to create safer communities.