We’ve been flat out working on our projects and related activities - but wanted to make a quick post as we felt that this recent speech, by the new Policing and Criminal Justice Minister Nick Herbert MP was worth highlighting. The speech was given at Policy Exchange on 23 June 2010 and outlines the context for the Government’s plans in the area of criminal justice reform.

The speech highlights some of the issues we’re trying to work on (e.g. making things seamless/better for victims) and the need for greater transparency and less bureaucracy.

“[The criminal justice system is] a system that is fractured where it should be seamless, and reactive where it should be preventive.”

“It’s remote, lacking transparency where it should be open and honest, and too focussed on offenders when it should be accountable to the public and driven by the needs of victims”

The social and human cost of continuing as we are was also acknowledged:

“We can’t go on like this, spending ever more … the dislocated approach … has divided professionals and carries immense social and financial costs…”

This sentiment was echoed, all the more acutely, by speakers at London Action Trusts‘ recent “Who speaks for victims?” conference in London earlier this week. It was incredibly moving to hear directly from a number of individuals who have experience of tremendous suffering as a result of appalling acts of wanton violence. It was even more impressive to hear how they have been working to make a positive and tangible difference to the safety of their communities. For example, the work of Through Unity, Newlove Warrington and many others.

We look forward to working over the next 12 months to make a positive contribution to a safer Britain, and would invite anyone who might want to make contact, to get in touch.