Statement from Chair of trustees Sarika Patel

The Trustees of Action for Children who appointed Paul Carberry as CEO did so in the full knowledge of his past, which is a matter of public record and has previously been reported in the press.

Paul deeply regrets and is sorry for what he did when he was 16 years old. He has told us not a day goes by when he doesn’t think about the devasting and long lasting impact his actions have had on the victims and their families.

He was tried when he was 17 years old, convicted and served five and a half years, firstly at a young offenders institution and then in prison. He says his time inside was a turning point and although he can’t change what he did, he was determined to dedicate his life and his rehabilitation to help vulnerable young people.

He joined Action for Children as a project manager almost 30 years ago in 1994, never hiding his past. Throughout his career, Paul has helped support thousands of children and young people including those who have been involved in crime, helping many find jobs, avoid criminal exploitation and reach their full potential.

Paul, who was previously National Director for Scotland, is currently a member of the Scottish Government’s Serious Organised Crime Taskforce. He is also a registered social work manager with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

Until he took on the CEO position, he held a number of roles across crime and youth justice bodies and has been a leading voice in this area. We understand all agencies in Scotland were aware of Paul’s past.