Category: Criminal Justice Programme

The fact that the “right to understand and to be understood” comes first in the Victims’ Code of Practice says a lot about its importance. Yet, victims of crime who speak English as a second or additional language (ESL) face inconsistent provision to help them understand their rights and make their voices heard. We have … Continued

Key sections in this article: What will the training cover? Training taster – how to communicate more effectively. Forthcoming training and free resources. Across the criminal justice system, speakers of English as second or additional language (ESL) – be they victims, witnesses, suspects, defendants, or people with convictions – can face a range of language … Continued

Key sections in this article: What is restorative justice? Using restorative justice for people who speak ESL Find out more Being a victim of crime can be a life-changing experience. Many people affected are left with endless questions; “Why me?”, “Why did they do it?”, “Are they going to do it again?”. People affected by … Continued

This blog has been adapted from an article that appeared in Independent Monitor in July 2022. Key sections in this article: Overcoming language barriers Embedded into the role of all staff The value of peer support Language barriers as an equalities issue Free guidance and resources Although a rough estimate suggests that one in ten … Continued

This blog has been adapted from an article that appeared in Independent Monitor in July 2022. Key sections in this article: Lack of routine data collection Staff capacity to support language diversity Challenge of monolingual services in the CJS Free resources and guidance Prisoners who speak English as a second or additional language (ESL) are … Continued

Shannon Trust is a charity which was originally founded to help the 57% of people in prison who struggle with their reading, to learn to read. Through a peer-led programme, mentors (people in prison who can read) work with learners through Turning Pages, a set of structured reading manuals. Turning Pages is suitable for those … Continued