International gang violence specialist joins forces with Oxfordshire Youth to keep our young people safe

Oxfordshire Youth is absolutely thrilled to announce that one of the UK’s leading experts in youth violence, gang-related issues and social conflict has joined our board of trustees. Craig Pinkney has a hard earned, international reputation for working with young people deemed the most hard-to-reach, including potentially high-risk offenders and victims of gang violence. His advocacy for meaningful, systemic change impacts at national and international levels because his powerful work is shaping policies, creating innovative strategies, and championing causes contributing to positive societal shifts.

Craig’s appointment will greatly enrich Oxfordshire Youth’s board, as he will be bringing to the table two decades of experience as a international gang exit strategist, transformational speaker, training facilitator, mediator, mentor and filmmaker. His expertise is in high demand and Craig also advises bodies such as The Premier League, the National Youth Agency, The Children’s Society, Police and Crime Commission Office, U.K. Violence Reduction Units and the Ministry of Justice in Jamaica. 

Our new trustee holds a master’s degree in criminology and is currently studying for a PhD in Social Sciences at Birmingham City University, as part of his mission to bring about change, saying “I’m all about bridging the gap between academia and the streets”. He has also managed to find the time to become the C.E.O. and driving force behind SOLVE: The Centre for Youth Violence and Conflict, and SOLVE Housing, which provides OFSTED-registered, nurturing environments for children to grow up in safely.

Craig’s approach is as dynamic as it is engaging, encompassing impactful workshops, specialised training sessions, and consultancy services for high-profile institutions and government bodies. Beyond organisational leadership, he is deeply involved in research specialising in urban street gangs, youth violence, social media and critical race theory.