Sheriff Elect Deputy Keith Bottomley and Sheriff Elect Robert Gughes-Penney

Why Justice for All Makes Economic Sense

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Justice for All Series at the Old Bailey

A bold new initiative exploring the future of justice in the UK has been announced today. The Justice for All Series is a year-long programme of high-level events that will bring together leaders from the legal, political, corporate, and civic sectors to examine the urgent challenges facing modern justice systems and the investment and reform needed to address them.

The concept was developed by Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney, who today was formally elected as Sheriff-Elect of the City of London for 2025/26. Taking office in September for one year, among Hughes-Penney’s duties will be this series, centred at the Old Bailey—the most iconic criminal court in the world and a symbol of the UK’s legal heritage.

The series, sponsored by Serco, the provider of services and support to governments internationally with UK operations spanning defence, space, healthcare, justice and migration, transport and citizen services, will explore the financial, moral, and institutional requirements for delivering justice in the 21st century. It aims to identify practical strategies for improving judicial infrastructure, supporting survivors and the accused, reducing reoffending, and harnessing new technologies like AI for the public good.

The first of five events launches this autumn and commemorates two major milestones: the 800th anniversary of the 1225 reissue of Magna Carta and the 10th anniversary of UN Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Hosted by the City of London Corporation in partnership with the Magna Carta Trust, the event will feature a keynote address by Lord Neuberger, former President of the UK Supreme Court, and will provide a timely opportunity to reflect on the rule of law.

Subsequent events will focus on:

  • Justice for the Accused – exploring fair treatment and access to representation
  • Justice for Survivors – addressing support for victims of modern slavery and gender-based violence
  • Justice for Prison Leavers – tackling rehabilitation, education, and employment
  • Financing sustainable improvements to the justice system– financing justice for the next generation

Each event will be supported by briefing papers prepared by RAND Europe, an independent, not-for-profit policy research organisation dedicated to improving policy and decision-making through rigorous, objective research and analysis.  The topics discussed at the five events will  be synthesized into a capping report to be published in the Summer of 2026.

RAND Europe Announced as Research Partner for the Justice for All Series

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We are pleased to announce that RAND Europe, a not-for-profit research institute committed to improving policy and decision-making through evidence and analysis, has joined the Justice for All Series as an official Research Partner.

RAND Europe brings a wealth of experience in criminal justice policy, systems reform, and societal impact assessment—making them ideally placed to support the aims of the series. Their work will help ensure that the insights and discussions generated during each event are underpinned by data, grounded in rigour, and translated into practical policy recommendations.

With each session in the series addressing a distinct theme—ranging from the rights of the accused to survivor support, prison rehabilitation, and the financing of justice—RAND Europe will play a vital role in helping capture and distil key findings across the series. Their research input will also support the post-series impact report, ensuring that outcomes are measurable, credible, and accessible to decision-makers in government, the judiciary, and the corporate sector.

Speaking on the collaboration, Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney, Sheriff-Elect of the City of London (2025–2026), commented:

“RAND Europe’s involvement adds depth and seriousness to our ambition to not only convene conversations—but to shape meaningful, long-term change. Their independent, research-led approach will help us build a lasting legacy for justice reform in the UK and beyond.”

This partnership reinforces the series’ commitment to aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), ensuring that the themes discussed are not only grounded in moral and historical imperatives, but in sound evidence and strategic foresight.

RAND Europe’s involvement also reflects the growing recognition that justice cannot be advanced in isolation. It must be shaped collaboratively—with input from legal professionals, policymakers, business leaders, and the research community working in concert.

Further details about RAND Europe’s contributions, including summary reports and thematic insights, will be shared following each event in the series.

Justice for All: From Magna Carta to Modern Reform

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At a time when global trust in institutions is being tested, the enduring principles of justice—fairness, accountability, and the rule of law—have never mattered more.

This autumn, we launch the Justice for All Series: a curated programme of evening events at the Old Bailey, designed to spotlight key issues facing our justice system today, and to ask the difficult, necessary questions about how it must evolve.

As the Sheriff-Elect of the City of London for 2025–2026, I am privileged to host this initiative at one of the most historic and symbolic courts in the world. From its very walls, the Central Criminal Court has witnessed centuries of legal history. It feels only fitting that it should now serve as the setting for forward-thinking dialogue on the future of justice.

Each event in the series will explore a distinct and urgent theme:

  • October will mark 800 years since the Magna Carta of 1225, drawing a direct line between the foundations of English law and the ambitions of UN Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
  • In February, we examine Justice for the Accused—challenging ourselves to ensure that fair trial rights remain not just a principle but a practice.
  • April turns the focus to Justice for Survivors, giving voice to those affected by violence, exploitation, and systemic failure.
  • May addresses the long-overdue question of Justice for Prison Leavers—how we rehabilitate, reintegrate, and reduce reoffending.
  • And in June, we ask: who pays for justice? Our final event, Financing Justice, will consider the role of innovation, technology, and social impact capital in transforming systems sustainably.

These are not abstract debates. They speak directly to the lives of individuals, the health of our communities, and the fabric of a just society.

Each evening will follow a structured format: a keynote address, a panel discussion, and an open Q&A, followed by a private dinner for speakers and key guests. The setting is formal, but the aim is to be candid—to bring together people who would not otherwise share a room, and to let new ideas surface.

We are honoured to be working in partnership with RAND Europe, who will provide independent research support across the series, helping ensure that what is said is not only heard—but acted upon.

The Justice for All Series is not just a calendar of events. It is an opportunity for leaders across the legal sector, government, business, and civil society to reaffirm a shared belief: that justice matters, and that it can be done better.

We look forward to welcoming you.