Dr Junior Smart OBE is a leading voice on youth violence and child criminal exploitation. He is credited with playing a central role in the development of the SOS Project and SOS+, award-winning initiatives delivered by St Giles Trust that support young people to safely exit serious violence, gangs, and criminal exploitation.

Since its inception, the SOS Project has supported thousands of vulnerable and marginalised young people and has become one of London’s most recognised violence desistance programmes. Junior’s work has helped shape practice across London and beyond, with a strong focus on prevention, safeguarding, and long-term change.

Despite leaving school at the age of 14, Junior later achieved a First Class degree in Youth Work and an MA with Distinction in Applied Criminology and Youth Justice. He has since completed a doctorate (PhD) examining child criminal exploitation, county lines, and the impact on families. He has also been awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Education in recognition of his contribution to education and social justice.

In 2020, Junior was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours List for services to tackling youth violence. His work continues to focus on violence desistance, system reform, and influencing national policy. He regularly advises statutory agencies, contributes to policy development, and supports organisations to develop evidence-informed, child-first responses to serious violence and exploitation.