Biography - Thomas Lang

Head of Service for Manchester YJS and AYM Regional Representative for North West Region

I have worked for Manchester Youth Justice for over 17 years. Initially starting out as an Interventions Practitioner, I have progressed through Officer and Manager roles and have been the Head of Service for the past two and half years. I am passionate about serving children and their families in this city, and always strive to improve the impact our interventions and support has. I lead a forward-thinking, relationship focussed service which supports victims and protects the public. We use positive, strength-based approaches to support societies most underserved and vulnerable children.

I have taken a lead role in developing a trauma responsive workforce as our response to tackling child criminal exploitation and serious violence. I have collaborated with Manchester Centre for Youth Studies on research projects, including Serious Violence and its relationship with ACE's, and have embedded the Participatory Youth Practice research (a framework co-designed with academics and children on how to approach our work in Youth Justice) both strategically and operationally across Greater Manchester.

I have always admired the work of the Association of Youth Justice Managers (AYM) and how they advocate for the sector nationally. I'm really excited to be part of the association and hope my experience, skills and passion compliments the amazing work they do.