Last Updated on 02/09/2025
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. It examines the urgent challenges facing modern justice systems and the investment and reform needed to address them; why justice for all makes economic sense.
The concept was developed by Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney, who along with Deputy Keith Bottomley, has been elected as one of the Sheriffs of the City of London for 2025/26. Taking office in September for one year, among their duties will be hosting 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 at the Old Bailey provides the backdrop to later events 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. Supported 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 former Master of the Rolls and will provide a timely opportunity to reflect on the rule of law. Panellists at the first one include:
- Dr Karen Brewer, Secretary General Commonwealth Magistrates & Judges Association,
- Rt Hon Alex Chalk KC, former Lord Chancellor,
- Maha Jweied, CEO of Responsible Business Initiative for Justice, and
- Rt Rev Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Winchester.
Subsequent events will focus on:
- Justice for the Accused – exploring fair treatment and access to representation – 4th Feb 2026
- Justice for Survivors – addressing support for victims of modern slavery and gender-based violence – 23rd Mar 2026
- Justice for Prison Leavers – tackling rehabilitation, education, and employment – 18th May 2026
- Financing sustainable improvements to the justice system– financing justice for the next generation – 29th Jun 2026
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.
Further details and booking options for events are available online, and a flyer is also available for download.
