UK: Colin Allars reappointed as Chair of the Independent Restraint Review Panel, extending his oversight of youth custody restraint practices through 2028.
Colin Allars has been reappointed as Chair of the Independent Restraint Review Panel (IRRP) by the Secretary of State for Justice, Rt Hon Shabana Mahmood MP.
His new three-year term will run from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2028, following his initial appointment that began on 1 January 2023.
The IRRP was established in response to Charlie Taylor’s 2016 review of pain-inducing techniques in the youth estate.
The panel reviews incidents in youth custody facilities involving serious injuries, warning signs, or the use of pain-inducing techniques.
Beyond assessing restraint methods, the IRRP also examines behavior management, staff conduct, and leadership practices.
Mr. Allars brings extensive experience to the role, having served as Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Justice Board and as Non-Executive Chair of Government Facilities Services Ltd (GFSL).
An engineering graduate, he has held various delivery-focused positions across both public and private sectors.
Although the IRRP is not regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments, Mr. Allars’ reappointment adheres to the Governance Code on Public Appointments.
