Today (21 January 2025) marks the first meeting of the new Women’s Justice Board. Launched by justice secretary Shabana Mahmood and chaired by prisons minister James Timpson, the Board brings together experts to explore how women are criminalised, the impact this has on their life chances and their children, and ways to reduce the number of women in prison.
We are pleased to see third sector representation on the Board and believe they can make the case for vital changes to how women experience the criminal justice system. We hope the Board will use evidence-based recommendations from the Ministry of Justice’s Sentencing Review consultation to advocate for community sentences over short prison sentences (of 12 months or less). This would allow more women to serve their sentences without derailing their lives or losing custody of their children, while reducing reoffending.
We also hope that the Board will explore the crucial role of employment for women with convictions. Evidence shows that employment reduces reoffending by providing income and giving structure and purpose to daily life. It enables people to feel useful and valuable to society and to develop skills and talents, developing a mindset which diverts people away from the criminal justice system and helps them to thrive. Expertise on the employment of women leaving the justice system must feature in the membership of the Women in Justice Partnership Delivery Group who will review the Board’s progress.
Working Chance is encouraged by the establishment of the Women’s Justice Board and the opportunity it provides to drive meaningful change for women with convictions.
Alex Clarke
Policy Officer, Working Chance
