Gwent Criminal Justice Strategy Board
The Gwent Criminal Justice Strategy Board (also referred to as the Local Criminal Justice Board, or LCJB) brings together the key partners and senior representatives of criminal justice agencies operating in Gwent, allowing for collaboration and partnership working. The Board is responsible and accountable for the service provided to victims and witnesses, improving the delivery of justice, and increasing public confidence.
Chaired by the Police and Crime Commissioner, the LCJB meets on a quarterly basis.
Following a Development Day in May 2025, the Board agreed its strategic priorities as:
Supporting Victims and Witnesses: Ensuring quality support is provided to victims and witnesses that meets their needs and improves their experience of the criminal justice system; and
• Reducing Reoffending: Ensuring effective approaches that reduce reoffending and promote and strengthen rehabilitation.
The themes of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence (VAWDASV) and children and young people run throughout these priorities.
These priorities are delivered through two subgroups led by co-Chairs appointed from relevant criminal justice agencies.
Other relevant partners and service providers are co-opted to the Board and / or subgroups as appropriate.
The LCJB has also published its first Justice Strategy for Gwent, which sets out its role, functions and ambitions for the four-year period.
The LCJB and its subgroups link with other local partnerships to maximise efficiency and avoid duplication of activity. Engagement also takes place at both the Wales and UK levels to shape debate and influence decision making.
The LCJB is uniquely placed to identify and share best practice and intelligence relating to efficient and effective operation of the criminal justice system. In addition to the Criminal Justice Board for Wales, consideration for escalation of matters of general importance could include other LCJBs, via the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCCs), and via the national Criminal Justice Board Secretariat, based in the Ministry of Justice.
The LCJB will also make best use of its partnership network and other meetings outside of criminal justice to highlight or refer appropriate matters for consideration.
Annual Report
The LCJB has committed to publishing an Annual Report that summarises the work of the Board and its subgroups.
Criminal Justice Board for Wales
The Criminal Justice Board for Wales brings together criminal justice organisations and other partners to provide collaborative strategic oversight of the key issues affecting criminal justice in Wales. The Board has agreed its areas of focus as:
- Victims.
- Criminal Justice Reform.
- Data and Lived Experience.
- Children, Young People and Youth Justice.
- Anti-Racism.
- Governance and Communication.
The Criminal Justice Board for Wales Anti-Racism Action Plan outlines the determination of partners to do all they can, individually and collectively, to root out any form of racism across the criminal justice system in Wales.