Our work is led and overseen by young people with lived experience of the justice system and lawyers committed to improving the youth justice system for children.
Directors
Kate Aubrey-Johnson
Founder & Director
Kate Aubrey-Johnson is a barrister and mediator at Garden Court Chambers and is recognised for her expertise in youth justice. She is co-author of the leading textbook Youth Justice Law and Practice (LAG, 2019) and consultant editor for Halsbury’s Laws of England, Vol 27, Criminal Procedure (5th Edition).
Dylan Mathews
Director
Dylan Mathews is CEO of Peace Direct a UK-based organisation that supports local people to prevent violent conflict and build sustainable peace around the world. He is also Chair of the Alliance for Peacebuilding, based in the US.
Professor Kathryn Hollingsworth
Director
Professor Kathyrn Hollingsworth is Director of Research and Deputy Head of Newcastle Law School at Newcastle University.
Claire Sands
Director
Claire Sands is Associate Head, Research and Evidence at the NSPCC. She is an expert in youth justice, children’s rights and the children’s care system.
Maleekah Burden-Kaizra
Director
Maleekah Burden-Kaizra is an aspiring lawyer and has just completed her law degree.
Anya Lewis KC
Director
Anya Lewis KC is a leading criminal defence barrister and Recorder (part time Crown Court judge). She is experienced at representing children facing criminal allegations in the youth court, the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal.
Youth Advisory Consultants
All our youth advisory consultants bring lived experience to our participatory model.
Sarina
Sarina works for the civil service and is a social mobility champion.
Alex
Alex is a law graduate and ambassador for change.
Ciara
Ciara is a powerful advocate for participatory led policy making.
Core Team
Kate Aubrey-Johnson
Executive Director
Selena Teji
Operations Lead
Academic Advisory Panel
Dr Alexandra Wigzell
Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge
Dr Tim Bateman
Visiting Academic Consultant, University of Bedfordshire
Dr Sajid Humayun
Senior lecturer in Psychology, University of Greenwich
Claire Sands
Associate Head, Research and Evidence at the NSPCC
Professor Kathryn Hollingsworth
Professor of Law, Newcastle University
Delivery partners
Youth Justice Legal Centre &
Just for Kids Law
Dr Laura Janes
University of Newcastle
Drive Forward Foundation
Transition to Adulthood, Barrow Cadbury
Child Rights & Youth Justice C.I.C. 