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Prison Reform Trust chairman Timpson resigns after being appointed prisons minister

Posted on by darion

James Timpson has resigned as chairman of the Prisons Trust after being appointed a peer and Minister for Prisons, Parole and Probation in Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s new government.

The Timpson Group chief executive is a long-time campaigner for reducing recidivism rates. His company is one of the UK’s largest employers of ex-offenders, with more than one in ten of its employees being ex-prisoners.

His appointment is one of several apolitical ministerial appointments made by Starmer, which also includes the government’s former chief scientific adviser, Patrick Vallance, as science minister.

The Prison Reform Trust has appointed former Prince’s Trust and Which? chief executive Nick Stace as chairman, replacing Timpson.

“As the Prison Reform Trust is a charity independent of government or any political affiliation, James resigned as chairman immediately upon his appointment to his new ministerial position,” the charity said.

Prison Reform Trust Chief Executive Pia Sinha added: “Nick joins us at a critical time, with a new government and the PRT poised to launch a new strategic plan.

“Nick’s deep knowledge of the sector, combined with his track record, makes him an excellent new PRT Chairman.

“I would also like to thank James Timpson for his inspiring leadership, support, wisdom and generosity during his tenure. This solid foundation will enable Nick, myself and the team to deliver on our ambitious plans in the years ahead.”

Stace is also a member of the Barclays executive committee and was a former director of strategic communications to former Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

“I congratulate my predecessor on his appointment to his new ministerial role and on taking on important new responsibilities. The PRT looks forward to continuing our work with the new Government and policymakers from across the political spectrum in this new Parliament,” Stace said.

He added: “I wholeheartedly support the vision of a fair, humane and effective prison system. I have seen the need for one first-hand when I led The Prince’s Trust and worked to support young people to transform their lives.

“I have spent a lot of time on issues that have raised the needs and solutions of those who are severely disadvantaged, whether because of their starting point in life or systemic injustice, and I look forward to supporting Pia and the team as they continue their extraordinary work on prison reform.”