Steve Parker, our CEO, recently attended the HMCTS Public Engagement Group (PEG) Conference in London. This was a chance to hear first-hand from government and sector leaders about the criminal justice reform.
HMCTS Public Engagement Group Conference
The Public Engagement Group Conference brings together organisations that work in the Justice System. Primarily, it is a forum for the courts to consult on key issues, latest research and new projects. The meeting covered all jurisdictions: crime, family, civil and tribunals. Government and independent organisations from across the UK shared their perspectives and gained insight into the criminal justice reform. As a result, it was a real opportunity for knowledge exchange.
Reflections
Steve Parker, CASS+ CEO, shares his reflections here:
‘As I walked past Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and the Supreme Court on my way to the Ministry of Justice, I became acutely aware of the centrality of the Justice System in our society. Sometimes, Devon and Cornwall can feel a long way from the centre. And yet, it struck me that we are all inextricably linked to this epicentre of government, wherever we live and work.
Ultimately, we are all connected to government and state institutions.
Criminal Justice Reform
Criminal Justice Reform was at the top of the agenda for the HMCTS Public Engagement Group Conference.
Leveson Part 2
The Leveson Part 2 report is very much on the minds of everyone who works in the Criminal Justice System. Leveson Part 1 has received a lot of comment and the government’s response is the source of significant debate. We have published our response to the Sentencing Act here.
Part 2 contains less controversial, but equally significant, proposals for improving the efficiency of the courts. Undoubtedly, this will address many of the issues we see daily inside the courts in Devon and Cornwall. In the long term, we await the government’s response with interest and hope that they move forward with the recommendations.
Leveson Part 2 makes the need for positive change clear
Leveson Part 2 makes the need for positive change clear. This will require major investment and radical changes to the system.
Revolving door
The world is becoming increasingly complex. Resources in statutory and non-statutory services are stretched beyond their limits. Most importantly, we need to address the revolving door we see on a daily basis in our courts and invest in services that support rehabilitation.
Addressing health and social needs
We are acutely aware of the unmet health and social needs of many of the people who come through our door. It’s so important that we address the underlying causes for repeat offending. Ultimately, we need to find practical solutions like early diversion, housing, mental health support for multiple traumas, treatment for addictions, education and training.
Victims of crime at the centre
I believe that any change needs to place victims of crime at the centre. On top of this, we need to reduce repeat offending.
‘Bitz courts’
Delays don’t serve anyone well. Without criminal justice reform and investment, the backlog of cases at court will continue to rise. Both victims and defendants can wait for months and even years for their cases to come to trial, particularly in the Crown Courts. Most importantly, blitz courts that speed up justice are welcome.
Potential for AI?
I am also interested in the gathering appetite for AI in the Justice System. Last year, the government published the judicial guidance and an action plan for AI. The potential for AI was discussed at the conference. I felt reassured by the robust approach taken to ethics and governance. In order to get the most impact, these innovations need to retain public confidence and especially the confidence of practitioners working in the system. It’s so important to maintain a balance when it comes to the benefits versus retaining public confidence. An ethical approach is a tricky path. However, it was reassuring to hear that government is taking a measured approach.
Working together for positive change
I had time to mull all this over on the train as I followed the sun on its journey west. It felt empowering to join everyone who works for positive change, from HMCTS staff to organisations.’
I felt reassured of positive signs for the future and an appetite to address the fundamental issues that currently impact the system.