Uncovering a new way forward
The justice system isn’t working – not for victims or for wider society. Change is needed but a polarised debate is clouding a new way forward.
The Common Ground Justice Project aims to break through the noise – not by shouting louder, but by listening deeper.
Through engaging with people across divides, we’re uncovering common ground for a new way forward: towards a more thoughtful, modern justice system fit for the 21st century, with broad public support.
The need for ACTION
With the justice system on the brink in England and Wales, and crime impacting poorer communities most, the need for change is clear.
£18bn
annual cost of reoffending to the taxpayer.¹
90%
of victims don’t think the criminal justice system is effective.²
110%
current occupancy rate of prisons compared to their safe capacity.⁴
3x
more likely to be a victim of violent crime if you’re from a poorer area.³
¹ Ministry of Justice, 2023
² Victims Commissioner, 2023
³ Civitas, 2018
⁴ Howard League, Jan 2024
Breaking through the noise
A fractured debate on crime and punishment leaves little political space for bold action.
Punishment vs rehabilitation, prison expansion vs abolition, tough vs soft; these noisy extremes are drowning out other voices, preventing a more constructive conversation about change.
What we do
The Common Ground Justice Project aims to find a better balance between different perspectives on crime and justice.
We’re uncovering a new way forward – towards a justice system that makes communities safer while restoring public confidence and trust in the system.
Listening
We engage and listen to people often sidelined – voters, victims, prison-leavers, communities – to understand where they’re at, finding common ground on which people can agree for a more thoughtful and effective justice system.
Connecting
We bridge divides, build relationships and connections between people who may differ in values but are comfortable with complexity and averse to black-and-white thinking.
Amplifying
We collect and communicate stories and insights that capture the common ground in action, and support decision-makers to act in a new way.
Through a pilot in 2025 we’re testing the concept, gathering insight and building relationships to expand this project into the future. We’ll be sharing more information about this soon; sign up for updates to be part of the journey.