Lay Observers are independent, unpaid public appointees and work an average of 2-3 days per month. Their role is to provide independent oversight of how people detained in court cells and cellular vehicles are cared for and their access to justice.
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Lay Observers play an important role in the justice system by monitoring the welfare and access to justice of people being brought to court and held in court custody. They are appointed by the Secretary of State under the Criminal Justice Act 1991 (CJA 1991) to provide independent oversight of how people detained in court cells and cellular vehicles are cared for and their access to justice.
Learn more >Latest news
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Appointment of John Thornhill OBE as Chair of the Lay Observers’ National Council
The Secretary of State for Justice has appointed John Thornhill OBE as Chair of the Lay Observers’ National Council. John Thornhill was formerly President of the National Council for Independent Monitoring Boards (July 2013 – May 2017), amongst many other senior roles. You can read the Secretary of State’s announcement HERE. For … Read more >
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Independent monitoring of court custody and escort – key findings – February 2018
In February 2018, Lay Observers spoke to 566 of the 792 people in court custody during their visits. The number of the most serious incidents – level 3 reports – increased this month from 14 in January to 23 in February. However, most of these related to just three courts – Durham, Truro and Bedlington. … Read more >
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Court custody is failing to meet the welfare needs of children and young people, vulnerable people and people with disabilities
Lay Observers, who monitor conditions for detained people in court custody and under escort, call for action to promote the welfare and dignity of young, vulnerable and disabled people. Lay Observers frequently uncover instances where the treatment of children, young people and vulnerable or disabled adults in court custody puts their welfare at risk. In … Read more >