NCJAA welcomes new Vice-Chair
The National Criminal Justice Alliance is very pleased to announce the appointment of its new Vice-Chair. Andy Watson, Artistic Director of Geese Theatre Company will take over from Katy Haigh, Director of Good Vibrations.
We would very much like to thank Katy for her hard work as our Vice-Chair – we are incredibly grateful for her time and the knowledge and enthusiasm she brought to the role.
Katy said: “When I became Executive Director of national charity Good Vibrations in 2014, Clinks and the National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance (NCJAA) gave me a tremendous introduction to the criminal justice sector, and on joining the NCJAA’s Steering Group, I was delighted to discover how proactive and engaged it was.
As Vice-Chair, something I have noticed – and been proud of – is the growing authority and presence that the NCJAA has with key decision makers. Shrinking resources, escalating problems in our prisons, and an unsettled policy landscape make it hard for experienced individuals and organisations in this sector to remain resilient, but as a membership, we are clear on the range and depth of the transformative effects the arts have on human beings. So, I urge all of you to maintain a belief and a focus on our collective potential to bring about much needed, positive reform. As I step down as Vice-Chair, I am excited about the charisma, intelligence and experience that new Vice-Chair Andy Watson will bring to this role.”
Andy Watson trained in Paris at the Lecoq International School of Mime and Physical Theatre, he joined Geese in 1997, and became Artistic Director in 2003. His work involves overseeing the artistic integrity of the company’s work, devising theatre performances for use in Criminal Justice settings, and developing creative projects with people in prisons, secure hospitals and in the community. He regularly delivers staff training events for professionals working with vulnerable, marginalised and volatile populations. Andy has a particular interest in working with people considered to be high-risk, people with personality disorders and young people who engage in sexually harmful behaviour.
Established in 1987, Geese Theatre Company is a multi-award winning team of theatre practitioners working exclusively within prisons, secure forensic hospitals and in partnership with the National Probation Service, Community Rehabilitation Companies and third sector agencies.
