The Annual General Meeting of the Sheriffs’ & Recorder’s Fund in Court No.1 at the Central Criminal Court on Wednesday 1st July 2026. I have over the years so often walked into this court to a roomful of people, in the dock, the jury box, counsel’s rows.
Financing Justice 29th June 2026 I am delighted to contribute to this excellent series Justice For All which, as a principle, fits perfectly with the beliefs that I have tried to follow throughout the 55 years that I have practiced law and, in particular, in the nearly 35 years that
When I first engaged with HM Treasury and the Debt Management Office in 2019 on the case for a UK Green Gilt, the objective was simple, the UK’s sovereign balance sheet should align with the country’s long-term strategic priorities. At the time, climate change was the most
In the handover notes for the incoming Prime Minister, there will surely be reference to the complexities of funding much-needed investment in our public services. The UK’s public finances remain stretched. But while it’s arguably less high-profile than defence, health, or welfare, the debate over financing
By Robert Hughes-Penney On 29th June we will be hosting the final event in our Justice for All series at The Old Bailey – Financing Justice. This will get to the heart of how the City of London and its community, especially its business community, can play a proactive role
Illustrations by Ralph Mann https://www.purpleheron.co.uk/ Take a look at these illustrations capturing the conversations and ideas shared at the latest event in the series. Huge thanks to Ralph Mann for documenting the evening in such a distinctive and creative way.
Highlights from the Series
Justice for Prison Leavers 18th May 2026 Thank you to Robert, for that introduction… And a huge thanks to everyone involved in putting this event together… And to Rand, for their report – which I really welcome. It’s great to be here at the Old Bailey. Not something most people
By Steve Gallant The Justice for Prison Leavers event is both timely and important, and one that is, for me, deeply personal. For this series, I was invited to take part in a conversation with Dr Gwen Adshead, one of the UK’s leading forensic psychiatrists and psychotherapists, whose decades
Kirsty Rogers Chief Sustainability Officer for DWF Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals requires confronting the systems that enable exploitation, inequality, and violence. Modern slavery sits at the intersection of several global goals—SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16
We’re delighted that Fine Cell Work will be joining us at our event on 18th May at the Old Bailey. If you’re coming along, don’t miss their stand – this beautiful Cell Quilt will be on display. “Fine Cell Work’s Cell Quilt is a hanging quilt depicting
by Claire Hubberstey, CEO, One Small Thing “I spent many years in the revolving door going in and out of prison, every time I tried so hard to put the puzzle together – but being released homeless without an address, without a doctor, with no access to benefits or a bank
by Joe Abbott As part of their experience on the TechStart programme, interns Zak and Ivanildo attended the second event in the Justice For All series, Justice for the Accused, held at the Old Bailey. For both students from Saracens High School, it was a unique opportunity to step into
If the criminal justice system exists for anyone, surely it is for the victims of crime. Survivors of violence and exploitation are some of the most vulnerable, yet, the criminal justice process is long and complex and fails to adequately take account of their trauma. That is why the opportunity
Alderman & Sheriff Robert Hughes-Penney One of the great privileges of my role as Sheriff of the City of London is residing within the Old Bailey, witnessing the workings of the justice system up close. It is a position that demands deep respect for the rule of law in
It is a privilege to be here tonight, among such a well informed audience. Many of us came to modern slavery the same way, by being sickened about what is happening and the realisation that it is all around us. I also come at this with my experiences as a
The RAND paper focuses on modern slavery as a form of exploitation affecting vulnerable individuals across sectors such as agriculture, construction and domestic work. It outlines how exploitation is driven by a mix of personal vulnerability and systemic factors, and emphasises that modern slavery carries significant social and economic costs.
By James Clarry CEO, Justice & Care If the criminal justice system exists for anyone, surely it is for the victims of crime. Survivors of violence and exploitation are some of the most vulnerable, yet, the criminal justice process is long and complex and fails to adequately take account of
This briefing paper was prepared to support the second event of the Justice for All conference series, ‘Justice for the Accused.’ RAND Europe is a research partner for this series, which is a year-long programme of events that examines the challenges facing modern justice systems. This paper reflects on