Modernising Criminal Justice 2021 to take place virtually on 23rd June

Jessica Kimbell, GovNet
January 27, 2021

Just a few short weeks ago, in an unusual autumnal timeslot, more than 500 delegates logged in for the very first Modernising Criminal Justice Conference to be held virtually. The 2020 event came at the end of an incredibly difficult year where every facet of the criminal justice sector was impacted by the ongoing pandemic.

A look back at Modernising Criminal Justice 2020

The original conference – due to take place in London in June – was postponed due to the pandemic, however, the team behind the event was determined to continue to provide a platform for information sharing, best practice and support, at a time when the industry was under enormous strain due to COVID-19.

Rearranged for 12th November – and transformed into an innovative and engaging virtual summit – Modernising Criminal Justice 2020 was a huge success. Key topics explored include: digital justice; technology's role in better rehabilitation; the challenges posed by Covid-19 on the criminal courts; secure, digital policing; and creating a fit-for-purpose prison estate.

Lucy Frazer QC, Ministry of State for the Ministry of Justice, updated the audience with a compelling keynote presentation where she stated she had been “struck by the commitment right from the very top of government to law and order, and the importance of turning around the lives of those who commit crimes”.

The Minister went on to discuss the additional investment being made in prisons, the initiatives being put into place to reduce reoffending, and how it is her objective to provide a safe and secure environment for both prisoners and staff.

A return to a summertime slot

Following feedback from delegates, exhibitors and speakers alike - and the enthusiasm to not have to wait 12 months for the 18th iteration of this conference - the GovNet team has decided to return Modernising Criminal Justice 2021 to its regular slot in June, and we can confirm the one-day event will again be hosted online.

As the era of austerity approaches its end, the UK looks forward to an influx of investment to revive a justice system which is at breaking point. The key theme for the virtual summit will be: “Delivering a Secure, Swift and Effective Justice System for All,” and we are delighted to be welcoming Mignon French, CSTR National Programme Manager, as Chair for the day’s proceedings.

A number of authoritative speakers have already been confirmed, including:

  • Dame Vera Baird, Victims Commissioner
  • Cliff Hoyle, Senior Health and Justice Commissioning Manager, NHS England & Improvement South West
  • Martin Jones, CEO, Parole Board
  • David Omerod, Professor of Criminal Justice, UCL
  • Felicity Sparshott, Senior Probation Officer, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Assessment, Courts and Enforcement Team
  • Mark Stanley, Deputy Director - Digital Probation, Justice Digital and Technology
  • Neale Thomas, Public Health and Wellbeing Manager, Essex CC & Substance Misuse Commissioner
  • Dr Mark Walton, Principle Clinical Psychologist, Mersey Forensic Psychology Service & Mental Health Treatment Requirement 

If you’re interested in learning more about our virtual platform, you can read some of the feedback and testimonials from delegates and exhibitors that supported November’s event, here.

For more information, to view the agenda, or to secure your early bird tickets, visit the Modernising Criminal Justice 2021 website.