Samantha Matthews MBA CMgr

Strategic Children’s Services Leader | Social Worker | Youth Justice Specialist | Inspection Excellence

Samantha Matthews is a nationally recognised strategic leader with 20 years’ experience across youth justice, safeguarding, exploitation, targeted support and whole‑system improvement. She specialises in inspection readiness, organisational transformation and partnership leadership, and is known for delivering sector‑leading outcomes.

About

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Sam led a Youth Justice Service to two consecutive Outstanding HM Inspectorate of Probation inspections (2019 and 2026), both achieving full marks across all domains — the first time nationally that any Youth Justice or Probation Service had achieved maximum scores.

She is highly experienced in leading complex portfolios, driving improvement programmes, developing innovative services for vulnerable children, and building high‑performing multi‑agency partnerships across local government, health, police, probation and the voluntary sector.

Qualifications

  • Executive MBA (2022) – York St John University

  • Chartered Manager (CMgr) – Level 7 (2022)

  • BA (Hons) Social Work (2008) – University of Hull

Career Highlights

  • Led a Youth Justice Service to two consecutive Outstanding HMIP inspections (2019, 2026), both receiving full marks.

  • First Youth Justice Service nationally to achieve maximum scores across all twelve inspection domains.

  • Winner, LGC Team of the Year Award – Youth Justice (2020).

  • Winner, LGC Children’s Services Award (2025).

  • Senior leader supporting a Children’s Services improvement journey from Inadequate (2019) to Good (2023).

  • Experienced Youth Justice Board and Local Government Association Peer Reviewer.

  • Delivered peer reviews and improvement support to local authorities across England.

  • Former Regional Representative, Association of Youth Justice Managers.

  • National speaker and facilitator on youth justice improvement and inspection excellence.

Testimonials

  • “As a new Chair, I wanted the Board to take time away to reflect on what our role really is and how we can be as effective as possible. Sam stepped in at relatively short notice, and I couldn’t have asked for a better facilitator. She effectively combines a rare credibility and expertise with a style that encourages honest reflection and constructive challenge. She helped us think differently about our responsibilities as a Board, and created the conditions for members to recognise where changes in our approach would make us more effective. We left with greater clarity about our role, a stronger shared understanding, and a willingness to do things differently.”

    Clare Simpson, Chair Cornwall and Isles of Scilly YJB.

  • “I met Sam following her involvement with the LGA.  Sam supported me to develop my leadership management skills and understanding.  She was able to develop my strategic view of my service and help me to better understand how the service could be developed and what and how progress could be made.  Sam walked side by side in that development journey, ensuring that the support was relevant to where my service was and what we wanted to achieve in the short, medium and long term.  Sam brings the originality, expertise and experience of having a proven track record in excellence.”

    Diane Watson, Service Manager, Slough Youth Justice Service

  • "Sam Mathews is a highly professional and inspiring leader with an impressive track record of improving services for children, young people and their families. An experienced social worker, she brings extensive knowledge and expertise across all aspects of youth justice practice. Sam is authentic, engaging and approachable, with a real talent for building relationships with practitioners, partners, politicians and senior leaders at every level of an organisation. She combines strategic insight with a strong understanding of frontline practice, helping organisations reflect, learn and improve. Through her work, Sam consistently receives highly complimentary feedback, reflecting the quality of her insight, professionalism and constructive approach. She brings credibility, energy and a genuine commitment to achieving better outcomes for children and young people."

    Kevin Hall, Retired Director of Children’s Services, East Riding of Yorkshire Council 

  • "I have had the pleasure of working with Samantha Matthews and have been impressed by her professionalism, knowledge and commitment to supporting young people. Samantha brings a wealth of experience to youth justice, with a strong understanding of the challenges faced by young people and the importance of early intervention, positive role models and meaningful support. Her passion for improving outcomes for young people, building positive relationships and helping them make positive choices is evident in her work. Samantha’s collaborative approach and dedication make her a valuable asset to the youth justice sector. I would highly recommend Samantha to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, approachable and committed youth justice professional."

    Dave Brown, Counsellor and Training, Mindful Solutions

  • "Having worked alongside Sam I can say she is an asset to any organisation. She is leader who is open and personable with a commitment to high quality services for children and families. She understands impact driven practice, welcomes innovation with no project too big to tackle"

    Suzanne Taylor , Assistant Director , Barnardos 

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