A Powerful Call for Action and Accountability
I. Returning Home: The History and Importance of the Event
The FJSS Group Justice Sector Equalities Conference 2025 achieved massive success. It brought together Scotland’s most influential justice leaders. This flagship annual event is now the sector’s biggest calendar focus. Significantly, the conference returned to the COSLA Conference Centre. This location held special meaning for the group. It is where the conference first launched in June 2019. Returning here truly felt like coming back where it all started. The group still maintains almost all its first partners. Furthermore, it has successfully picked up new allies along its journey. These strong partnerships have scored major achievements for equality. The conference’s central mission remains fiercely focused on equity. It demands a truly fair and inclusive Scottish justice system. This commitment to reform is unwavering and absolute.
II. An Emotional Tribute and Policy Commitment
Honouring a Pioneer
The event opened with a deeply moving and heartfelt ceremony. Professor Amos Haniff, FJSS Group Vice Chairman, opened the conference. He led a poignant, powerful tribute to a titan of the movement. He spoke of the late Sir Geoff Palmer KT OBE. Sir Geoff was a former esteemed Chairman of the FJSS Group. He was a pioneering scientist and tireless equality campaigner. His memory served as a profound source of inspiration for all attendees. Sir Geoff’s work demanded that history must inform future justice. Consequently, his extraordinary legacy will continue to drive the group's agenda.
The Keynote Address
The conference’s importance was confirmed by its chief political speaker. The Rt. Hon. Angela Constance MSP delivered the highly anticipated keynote address. She holds the crucial position of Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs. Her address underscored the Scottish Government's commitment. It emphasised engaging in a national conversation about a fairer system. The government views the FJSS Group as a vital partner in this work. This partnership seeks true policy and systemic convergence. It aims to unite policy decisions with community aspirations. Her presence provided crucial policy direction for the coming year.
Anchoring Justice in Human Rights
A core pillar of this year’s discussion was the human rights-based approach. The FJSS Group insists that all justice reform must be rights-led. This is essential to ensure accountability from all public authorities. The group’s work often cites the Human Rights Act (1998) framework. Specifically, it focuses on the right to private and family life (Article 8). Furthermore, it champions the freedom from discrimination (Article 14). All future FJSS Group initiatives and policies will adhere to this legal grounding.
III. Digital Transformation and Judicial Reform
Progress on the Interface
The conference provided a key update on digital justice delivery. The FJSS Group’s important ‘interface’ was initially launched in 2024. The 2025 gathering therefore demonstrated significant progress and future plans. This ‘interface’ represents a major step toward technological modernisation. It aims to streamline and secure the sharing of crucial evidence. This is a critical move toward greater efficiency and fairness.
Modernising the Judicial Landscape
The judiciary's commitment to reform was strongly represented. Heather Simpson from the Judicial Office for Scotland was a distinguished speaker. Her contributions centred on modernising the courts. She discussed the ongoing implementation of online civil justice systems. This is necessary to improve access to justice for all citizens. Furthermore, her office closely monitors the efficacy of new court procedures. This work ensures that digital solutions do not create new systemic barriers. She affirmed the Judicial Office's dedication to an inclusive, accessible judiciary.
Policing and Digital Evidence
Policing’s role in modern justice was addressed head-on. Chief Constable Wendy Middleton was a powerful and authoritative speaker. She focused on the significant value of digital evidence systems. Her discussion detailed Police Scotland’s collaborative efforts. These are focused on the Digital Evidence Sharing Capability (DESC) service. DESC aims to secure and expedite the handling of all digital materials. This system dramatically reduces the burden on victims and witnesses. Consequently, it frees up critical police officer time. This modernization effort is crucial for public trust and operational efficiency. The Chief Constable affirmed that effective policing must be fair to all communities.
IV. Addressing Systemic Failures: What Is Not Working
The conference demanded an honest discussion about persistent inequalities. Speakers did not shy away from confronting systemic failures across the sector.
The Crisis of Legal Representation
A stark statistic provided a sobering focus for the day’s discussions. Only approximately 3% of the Law Society of Scotland's 13,000 members are from the Black community. This represents a severe, unacceptable lack of representation. It raises serious concerns about diverse judicial thinking. Therefore, a major focus was identifying clear, actionable pathways for change. These changes must start in legal education and continue through career progression. The goal is to build a legal community that truly reflects Scotland's society.
The Unresolved Windrush Legacy
The conference highlighted the ongoing pain of the Windrush generation in Scotland. FJSS Group presented findings from its recent year-long consultative project. The research brought to light severe, unjust human rights violations. These included wrongful detentions and denial of essential welfare benefits. The conference platform was used to strongly advocate for resolution. FJSS Group works to expedite fair government compensation for those impacted.
Challenges for Migrants and Asylum Seekers
The impact of UK asylum policies was subjected to intense scrutiny. Speakers addressed how policies often violate fundamental human rights. They focused on the devastating consequences of ‘no choice’ accommodation practices. This practice frequently and carelessly disrupts private and family life. The discussion was extended to the difficulties facing overseas students. Many struggle with language and academic support. They face the tragic risk of visa expiry before securing graduate visas. FJSS Group demands policy changes that protect the rights of these marginalised groups.
V. The Essential Role of Community and Mediation
The importance of external support systems was heavily emphasised by key speakers. This focused on proactive resolution and front-line community welfare.
The Power of Mediation
Graham Boyack, Director of Scottish Mediation, provided an alternative perspective. His presentation centred on the power of conflict resolution. He argued for embedding mediation skills across institutions. This includes the courts, third sector, and community spaces. Mediation offers a respectful, effective tool for dispute resolution. Furthermore, it helps avoid escalation, which often strains the formal justice system. His work directly contributes to a more peaceable and cohesive society.
Welfare and Front-Line Advocacy
Karen Nailen, the highly experienced CEO of Citizens Advice Bureau West Lothian, offered crucial testimony. Her bureau represents the essential front-line of support. She spoke on the complex advice needs of vulnerable clients. This includes specialised money advice, housing support, and tribunal representation. Her focus was on delivering a holistic service to those in crisis. Furthermore, she stressed the importance of empowering clients. This support provides the strength needed to escape systemic barriers. The FJSS Group affirmed that strong community services are vital to a fair system.
Strategic Improvement for the Future
Jennifer Wallace, Strategic Improvement Lead for the FJSS Group, offered a final structural view. Her work involves setting a roadmap for lasting change. She spoke about translating high-level policy into tangible, on-the-ground improvements. This role is crucial for ensuring conference aspirations become concrete results. She leads the effort to embed FJSS's recommendations within partner organisations. Her strategic vision guarantees continuity and sustained impact.
VI. Conclusion: A United Front for a Fairer Scotland
The Justice Sector Equalities Conference 2025 was a powerful landmark event. It succeeded in clearly charting what is working and what is not. The conference brought together a strong, unified coalition. This coalition remains fiercely committed to justice reform. It demonstrated that political will and community action are now converging. This vital annual gathering sets the agenda for the future. FJSS Group leadership, partners, and speakers demanded clear accountability. Their message is unequivocal: a fair, just, and inclusive Scotland is achievable. The work to make the Scottish justice system reflective of the nation continues with renewed urgency.