Peter Thorn
Peter Thorn's NYA profile
Peter has worked in youth services for thirty years, both in rural settings (Lincolnshire) and in London. Previously he trained as a teacher and worked with the Outward Bound Trust. His last direct employment was in London Borough of Barnet where he was Chief Youth Officer for six years. He now works as a consultant with substantial projects completed in the London and across the country.
Particular areas of interest are in curriculum development, including needs assessment, curriculum tools and quality assurance. The models developed aim to combine clarity of purpose with user-friendly simplicity, with young people's involvement at their centre. Peter has also developed a staff development policy to national endorsement level and delivers training in management supervision. His background of working in and managing outdoor activities has given expertise in developing guidance to youth workers on Off-site Activities, with particular reference to roles, risk assessment and incident management.
Peter also undertakes interim management of Youth Services. Most recently he has steered a Service through a substantial round of cuts, while preparing the team for their first (successful) Enhanced Youth Inspection. His management style is enabling, while creating a shared vision and focus.
Peter also works in the area of safeguarding young people, with expertise in safer recruitment, together with developing Codes of Practice for youth workers. He has helped organisations develop comprehensive policy and practice models in Child Protection, Health and Safety, Anti-Bullying and Equalities. His favoured approach is to work closely with managers and front line workers to develop and test practice models. The process aims to increase ownership as well as developing best practice, in line with national recommendations.
Through work in a number of local authorities he has developed political and conflict management skills. He has a successful record of dealing effectively with performance management issues. Recent work has involved giving close support to Youth Service management teams which are under pressure through managing change against internal and external constraints. This involves empowering managers through coaching support to balance operational demands against strategic development, so that the organisation can reach its full potential in helping young people achieve fulfilling outcomes.
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