Why we are needed 

The criminal justice system is over-stretched, under-resourced, and locked in crisis responses. It therefore fails to address the causes of offending or rehabilitate to ensure increased public safety and better justice for victims.

Punishment alone doesn’t change people for the better.

What we do

User Voice brings together decision makers, service providers and people with convictions to build a better, more effective justice system — one shaped by the people who know first-hand what needs to change and how to change it.

We do this at every stage, from diversion, police custody, courts and sentencing, through to prison, probation, and community settings. We currently work in 40 prisons across England engaging with around 1,000 people a month. 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.

Our Work

Is democratic, independent and accountable, so people feel confident their voices will be heard.

Builds the skills and confidence of people with convictions through volunteering and employment opportunities, creating lived experience leaders who are empowered to make positive change happen in prisons and in their own lives.

Utilizes peer research that uncovers new insights from those on the frontline of the system.

Applies rigorous methodologies ensuring findings are credible, accessible and actionable for stakeholders.

Is trauma informed, so we protect and support those we work with.

Influences policy and improves service delivery by tracking impact to create a safer society.

Examples of our current work include:

Prison Councils and regular consultations and focus groups with Sodexo Justice

Peer Research contracts with the NHS England Health and Justice stream supporting the drive for improved healthcare across prisons and probation

Working alongside the North London Forensic Collaborative to improve meaningful participation throughout Forensic In-Patient Services.

A range of Probation Inspectorate thematics and research partnerships with academic institutions.

We act as the bridge between justice services and thousands of people in the system to co create solutions to improve it. The result is a system that is safer and more effective delivering better outcomes for everyone.

Our 2025 - 2028 Strategy

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Our 2025 Impact Report

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Our tESTIMONALS

"I don't feel like my only options are dealing again or selling myself or being homeless. I can do more than I though I was capable of."

"I really see the difference it makes to prisoners when they get the opportunity to be part of the solution, I am noticing people speak out that probably would not have before."

Why we are needed