The Secretary of State for Justice has appointed David Whalley as
the Chair of the Lay Observers' National Council from 25 November
2024 to 24 November 2027.
Lay Observers (LO) are unpaid public appointees appointed by the
Secretary of State under the Criminal Justice Act 1991. They
monitor the conditions in which detained persons are transported
or held by escort or custody contractors in England and Wales.
LOs are overseen by a National Council, which is led by a
non-statutory National Chair. The LO Chair ensures appropriate,
regionally based, monitoring by LOs, and maintains links with
other bodies such as the Independent Monitoring Boards (IMBs) and
prison inspectors.
The appointment of LOs, including the National Chair, are
regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
Appointments comply with the Cabinet Office Governance Code on
Public Appointments.
David Whalley
Mr Whalley has been a Lay Observer since 2013. He began his
career as a school teacher in Liverpool and Cornwall. His
previous roles include: Leader of Cornwall County Council
(2005-2009); Ofsted inspector (1994-2003); independent
educational consultant and trainer (1994- 2004); and Advisor,
Cornwall Local Education Authority (1987-1994). He was also a
head teacher in Bude (Cornwall) between 1984 and1987.
David Whalley did not declare any political activity.
