Are you OK with cookies?

We use small files called ‘cookies’ on layobservers.org. Some are essential to make the site work, some help us to understand how we can improve your experience, and some are set by third parties. You can choose to turn off the non-essential cookies. Which cookies are you happy for us to use?

Skip to content

All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated.

To view this licence, visit:
https://nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3

or write to:
Information Policy Team,
The National Archives,
Kew,
London TW9 4DU

or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

This publication is available at:
https://layobservers.org.

National Chair’s tenure extended

Published:

The Secretary of State has today confirmed a year’s extension to John Thornhill’s tenure as National Chair of the Lay Observers from 1 June 2022 until 31 May 2023.

John Thornhill said:

“I am pleased to have been re-appointed as Chair of the Lay Observers for another year. This is an important year for the organisation, as we and the service we monitor move out of the Covid restrictions that have severely affected detainees. We are continuing to seek statutory underpinning to reinforce our independence and support the work of the thousands of unpaid public appointees who provide Ministers and the public with vital assurance about the conditions and treatment of those held in escorts and courts”.