At City & Guilds Foundation, we believe in removing barriers and creating opportunities for those who need them most. That’s why we’re proud to be co-conveners of the Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF) Criminal Justice Network, alongside Co-op Foundation. This role allows us to connect with like-minded funders, share insights, and advocate for meaningful change within the criminal justice system.
Over the past year, we’ve hosted three impactful events that have brought together funders, experts and lived experience leaders to explore pressing issues and opportunities for collaboration.
Setting the Stage
Our first session back in January introduced the network’s purpose and priorities, shaped by member feedback. Themes such as reducing reoffending, resettlement, and rehabilitation emerged as key areas of interest, and we had the opportunity to hear from three fantastic organisations – Criminal Justice Alliance, Better Justice Partnership, and Zahid Mubarek Trust. Each one was able to bring to life policy developments and frontline challenges. The event concluded with networking, sparking valuable connections among funders committed to systemic change.
Sentencing Reform and Collaboration
The second event in the Summer focused on the recent sentencing review and its implications. Speakers included Nicky Park (St Giles), Andrew Neilson (Howard League for Penal Reform), and Bettina Crossick (HMPPS Rehabilitation Directorate). Discussions highlighted the role of lived experience in shaping interventions and the importance of funder collaboration to amplify impact. This session reinforced the network’s role as a space for learning and partnership and members were encouraged to join an in-person roundtable with HMPPS to further discuss these issues and find meaningful moments to make a difference.
Women in the Criminal Justice System
Our most recent gathering was held in person at City & Guilds Foundation headquarters in October and centred on women and girls affected by the justice system. We screened the powerful film Holloway, which brought to life the realities behind the statistics — reminding us that behind every number is a human story. With around 3,600 women currently in prison in England and Wales, a figure that has grown by nearly 10% since 2022 and is projected to rise further, the urgency for change is undeniable.
We were privileged to hear from Aliyah Ali and Mandy Ogunmokun, founders of The Daddyless Daughters Project CIC and Treasures Foundation, whose work exemplifies resilience and leadership. Their message was clear: “Systems serve a purpose, but relationships change lives.”
This event was more than a screening or a meeting — it was a call to action. A reminder that networks like ours have the potential to shift narratives, unlock funding, and build the kinds of relationships that truly change lives.
Why This Matters
Serving as co-conveners is more than a role; it’s a commitment to advocating for change and amplifying voices that often go unheard. These events have shown the power of convening — creating spaces where funders can learn, share, and act together.
If you’re a foundation or funder passionate about creating a fairer, more inclusive criminal justice system, we invite you to join ACF and in particular our Criminal Justice Network. Together, we can share knowledge, collaborate on solutions, and ensure that philanthropy plays its part in driving systemic change.
Find out more and become part of the conversation by visiting Association of Charitable Foundation here: https://acf.org.uk/acf/ACF/Home.aspx