Breaking through the noise on criminal justice
The justice system isn’t working – not for victims or for wider society. Change is needed but a polarised debate is getting in the way.
The Common Ground Justice Project aims to break through the noise – not by shouting louder, but by listening deeper.
Through engaging with people across divides, we’re uncovering common ground for a new way forward: towards a more thoughtful, modern justice system fit for the 21st century, with broad public support.
The need for change
With the justice system on the brink in England and Wales, and crime impacting poorer communities most, the need for change is clear.
£18bn
annual cost of reoffending to the taxpayer.¹
90%
of victims don’t think the criminal justice system is effective.²
110%
current occupancy rate of prisons compared to their safe capacity.⁴
3x
more likely to be a victim of violent crime if you’re from a poorer neighbourhood.³
¹ Ministry of Justice, 2023
² Victims Commissioner, 2023
³ Civitas, 2018
⁴ Howard League, Jan 2024
Polarisation
A fractured debate on crime and punishment offers little political space for bold action.
Punishment vs rehabilitation, prison expansion vs prison abolition; these noisy extremes are drowning out other voices, preventing a more constructive conversation about change.
Uncovering a new way forward
The Common Ground Justice Project aims to find a better balance between different values and perspectives on crime and justice.
We’re uncovering a new way forward – towards a justice system that makes communities safer while restoring public confidence and trust in the system.
Listening
We engage and listen to people – including those impacted by crime – to understand where they’re at, finding common ground on which people can agree for a more thoughtful and effective justice system.
Connecting
We bridge divides, build relationships and connections between people who may differ in values but are comfortable with complexity and averse to black-and-white thinking.
Storytelling
We collect and communicate stories and insights that challenge conventional thinking about crime, and embolden decision-makers to act in a new way.
Through a pilot in early 2025 we’re testing the concept, gathering insight and building relationships to expand this project into the future. We’ll be sharing more information about this soon; sign up for updates to be part of the journey.
Who we are
The Common Ground Justice Project is being developed by the team behind pioneering prison resettlement charity Switchback, backed by our pilot partners and advisors. Find out more here: