The criminal justice system is overstretched, under resourced, locked in crisis response and poor value for money. User Voice exists to reduce the damage caused: to those in the system, their families, victims, communities and services.
To improve the justice system, it is vital to centrally involve both those running it and those with lived experience of it. That’s why our mission is to bring together people impacted by the system with those who deliver its services to create much needed transformative change.
We do this at every stage – from Diversion, Police Custody, Courts and Sentencing, to Prison and Probation.
Our work also creates a range of development opportunities for people with lived experience. This both supports their journey out of the justice system and gives them the skills they need to influence change.
75% of our staff, and all our volunteers, have convictions, meaning we’ve been there – in court, in prison, or on probation – we own our own pasts, so we understand the challenges first hand, and we are credible role models.
We train our staff and volunteers to develop their skills and mindsets. They then act as the bridge between justice services and thousands of people in the system to co create solutions to improve it.
Our work includes:
We currently work in 40 prisons across the North East, Midlands, London and the North West engaging with around 1,000 people a month.
