Urgent request from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
The EHRC has just launched an inquiry into the experiences of disabled people within the criminal justice system. The inquiry will particularly focus on the pre-trial stage. That is because evidence for disabled people’s experiences at this point is particularly lacking. The inquiry will address whether disabled defendants’ needs are identified; what reasonable adjustments, if any, are made; whether there are particular barriers or helpful factors; what recommendations should be put forward. The EHRC is interested in perspectives of NSUN members and so in interviewing two NSUN members with lived experience.
More information and the terms of reference for the inquiry are available here
Ideally the EHRC would like to interview:
One person with lived experience who has been a defendant in the criminal justice system and can speak from a more individual perspective. The EHRC would particularly like information which dates to 2017 and/or 2018, but is not ruling out evidence from other dates
Someone at NSUN who may, or may not have personal experience as a defendant, but who can give a broader, organisational view about issues affecting people with lived experience who go through the criminal justice system.
Given strong concerns that people from black or minority ethnic (BME) communities are particularly disadvantaged in the criminal justice system, it would be valuable if one of the two people interviewed comes from a BME community.
Interviews will be by phone, or can be done on a face to face basis if interviewees prefer. There is not an honorarium, though travel expenses can be paid.
If you are interested in being interviewed, please contact Dorothy Gould as soon as possible at or on 07565 399 422. Dorothy can then give you further information and put you in touch with EHRC if that seems helpful.