A safer criminal justice system
On Thursday, 8 May we hosted our second criminal justice research symposium at Manchester Metropolitan University, in partnership with MetroPolis. The event brought together academics, policy-makers, practitioners, people with lived experience, and students to explore the theme of a safer criminal justice system.
The symposium also coincided with the Manchester International Crime and Justice Film Festival which ran from 7 May – 27 June, where the CJA and Media Trust short films were showcased.
Agenda
You’ll find the registration desk directly on entry to the Business School
Professor Chris Fox, Co-Lead Metropolis, Director of Research Arts and Humanities Faculty, Manchester Metropolitan University
Annette So, Director, Criminal Justice Alliance
What evidence is there at a national and international level on what makes societies ‘safer’?
Dr Gemma Birkett, City St. Georges, University of London
Professor Nick Hardwick, Royal Holloway, University of London
Morning workshops – 11:30-12:40
What does our prison system need to do to reduce recidivism, and what community-based alternatives to prison can effectively support desistance?
Dr Anne-Marie Day, Manchester Metropolitan University
Daniel Mills, Switchback
Sam Worral, Friends, Families and Travellers
What needs to happen with the implementation of the Sentencing Review to make us safer?
Dr Gavin Bailey and Anton Roberts, Manchester Metropolitan University
Dr Stephanie Wallace, University of Lancaster
Meka Beresford, Action for Race Equality
Reducing the number of victims should be a clear benchmark for making society safer. How can we achieve this?
Professor Michelle McManus, Manchester Metropolitan University
Chloe Purcell, SAFE!
Keeva Baxter, Why Me?
Lunch – 12:40-13:30
Ten short films produced in partnership by the CJA and Media Trust on the criminal justice system will be screened.
Afternoon workshops – 13:30-14:40
Can the Women’s Justice Board deliver a significant reduction in the women’s prison population and ensure the safety of all women- both in prison and on release?
Chair: Dr Kay Lalor, Manchester Metropolitan University
Kellie Ziemba, Kairos Women Working Together
Baljit Banga, Hibiscus Initiatives
Professor Simon Pemberton, University of Birmingham
How can we ensure that new technologies are used safely and ethically across the justice system?
Dr Patrick Williams, Custodian of the Harm to Healing Coalition
Dr Bina Bhardwa, Institute for Criminal Policy Research
Griff Ferris, Statewatch
How can research be done safely and responsibly with people directly impacted by the justice system? How can this research and experience be best utilised in creating a system that makes society safer?
Dr Gill Buck, University of Chester
Jenni Berlin, User Voice
Professor Line Lerche Morck and Martin Celosse-Andersen, Aarhus University
Break – 14:40-15:00
Reflection panel – 15:00-16:00
Key policy-makers and Dr Jamie Bennett will discuss some of the key themes/issues arising from the workshops
Dr Kevin Wong, Manchester Metropolitan University
Alison Connelly, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester
Chris Edwards, Regional Director of Probation
Dr Jamie Bennett, HMPPS Group Director; former prison governor and Chief Operating Officer of Youth Justice Board
Closing – 16:00
Dr Gemma Birkett, City St. Georges, University of London