The recently concluded FJSS Group Justice Sector Equalities Conference 2025 brought together Scotland’s leading justice sector voices for a day of collaboration, critical reflection, and policy focus. Held on August 28, 2025, this annual event is now regarded as the flagship meeting in Scotland’s justice sector calendar, cementing the FJSS Group’s central role in fostering a fair, just, and inclusive system.
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Conference Background and Growth
Launched in 2019, the FJSS Group’s conference has steadily grown in stature and impact, drawing key institutions since its inception at COSLA. Returning to its origins this year, the conference welcomed longstanding partners as well as new contributors. It has achieved major milestones—most notably launching the Justice Sector Interface at CONF2024—which have significantly enhanced collaboration across all sector stakeholders.
Partners and Key Participants
The 2025 conference was supported by an array of prestigious partners including:
- The Scottish Government
- Law Society of Scotland
- Judicial Appointments Board for Scotland
- Police Scotland
- Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service
- Faculty of Advocates
- Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service
- Leading law firms and public services.
These partnerships underpin the sector’s collective investment in justice reform, diversity, and inclusion.
Tributes and Special Obituary
This year’s event featured an emotional tribute to the late Professor Emeritus Sir Geoff Palmer KT OBE, FJSS Group Chairman from 2019 until his passing in June 2025. Sir Geoff was honoured with a life Chairmanship, recognizing his exceptional contributions to human rights and racial inclusion. His legacy was a powerful theme throughout the conference.
Host, Leadership, and Moderators
- The conference was hosted by Elo Efemuai, Founder of Heart Song Radio, offering a welcoming and engaging environment.
- Professor Amos Haniff, FJSS Group Vice Chairman, opened proceedings and led the tributes to Sir Geoff Palmer.
- Silence Chihuri, Founder and CEO of FJSS Group, delivered a comprehensive overview of the Group’s work and the ongoing significance of the Interface program.
- Jennifer Wallace, Strategic Improvement Lead at FJSS Group, provided insights from her extensive background in policy development.
Keynote and Major Addresses
The keynote was delivered by Rt. Hon. Angela Constance MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Scottish Government. She highlighted the government’s renewed policies and strategic priorities aimed at deepening diversity and inclusion across the justice sector. Her endorsement of the FJSS interface program underscored its national significance.
Notable Presentations and Discussions
- Lindsay Jack, Head of Diversity at the Law Society of Scotland, moderated panel discussions connecting law firms, universities, and government partners.
- ACC Wendy Middleton of Police Scotland detailed the Criminal Justice Improvement Programme under Operation Evolve, focusing on building an anti-racist, anti-sexist policing culture.
- Heather Simpson, Head of Strategy Governance at the Judicial Office for Scotland, explored the systemic functions of the courts and connections with sector modernization.
Graham Boyack of Scottish Mediation emphasized ongoing initiatives to expand diversity within mediation, while Karen Nailen, CEO of Citizens Advice Bureau West Lothian, outlined the CAB network’s holistic, life-changing support for Scotland’s most marginalized communities. The CAB’s efforts to provide vital legal guidance, tackle digital exclusion, and campaign for systemic legal reforms featured prominently.
The Interface Programme: Collaboration and Impact
The Justice Sector Interface, inaugurated at CONF2024, has proven central to the sector’s progress. Its innovative structure ensures:
- Post-conference evaluation and sector-wide progress consolidation
- A bi-annual Round Table for interactive, thematic deep-dives
- Pre-conference preparatory meetings and annual progress reviews
- A collective approach to policy announcements and objective setting
Conference discussions explored models for measuring progress, sustaining sector reforms, and ensuring accountability—envisioning a Scottish justice sector that is more inclusive and effective by 2030.
Key Outcomes and Forward Steps
- Renewed commitments to diversity, accessibility, and support for intersectionally disadvantaged populations
- Strong policy focus on holistic advice, early intervention in legal and social crises, and digital inclusion
- Calls for sustainable, long-term funding for access-to-justice projects
- Collaborative evaluation frameworks for measuring equity and progress
Conclusion
The 2025 FJSS Group Justice Sector Equalities Conference reaffirmed the sector’s resolve to turn dialogue into action, honoring legacy while pushing for tangible improvements. The collaborative platform established by FJSS continues to set benchmarks for justice sector partnership, ensuring Scotland’s justice system becomes ever more equitable, accessible, and representative.
