FIRST ‘HEALTH AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE TSAR’ ANNOUNCED

The move reflects an increased focus on improving the mental health of offenders and develops responsibilities from Professor Appleby’s current work as National Clinical Director for Mental Health Services.

Professor Appleby will champion the Government’s action plan ‘Improving Health, Supporting Justice’, which set out measures to get health and criminal justice services working together more effectively. It aims to address health and social care problems as early as possible in a person’s contact with the criminal justice system and to develop more effective interventions for offenders. This will be achieved by working closely with the cross government Health and Criminal Justice Programme Board.

His deputy, Dr Hugh Griffiths, will take on responsibility for wider mental health issues as an interim appointment to ensure that momentum is not lost in the implementation of ‘New Horizons’, the long-term strategy to improve mental health services across the country.

Care Services Minister Phil Hope said:

“As the first National Clinical Director for Health and Criminal Justice, Louis Appleby will be at the forefront of reform to get health services and the criminal justice system working together. Offenders and those at risk of offending are more likely to have health issues like mental illnesses and substance misuse. Louis has the experience and drive to have a real impact on tackling these issues and reducing re-offending.

“I’m also very pleased that Hugh Griffiths as agreed to take up the important National Clinical Director for Mental Health role on an interim basis. This is a critical time of change in mental health services and Hugh has been heavily involved in the development of ‘New Horizons’, our mental health strategy. His leadership will ensure that no momentum is lost in our drive for better services and improved mental health and well-being for all.”