Who we are
The Criminal Justice Alliance advocates for sensible changes to make the criminal justice system work better. Our insight comes from our members: over 200 non-profit organisations with expertise across the whole criminal justice system. Their broad remits enable us to piece together the right formula for lasting change.
Our vision is of a fair and effective criminal justice system that works well for everyone and leads to a more equitable society.
The role
We are looking for a Vice-Chair and four trustees who share our values and ambitions. If you are interested in helping us improve the criminal justice system and feel that you have the commitment and experience for the role, we would love to hear from you.
The CJA is committed to achieving greater diversity in its trustees and staff, particularly as there are issues affecting individuals from non-majority backgrounds across the criminal justice system. We actively encourage applications from minority ethnic communities and people with protected characteristics. We also welcome applications from younger people and from first-time trustees.
Essential- strong experience in at least one of the following:
- HR/people and culture; fundraising and/or grant-making; strategic communications (branding, marketing, digital); corporate partnerships and/or individual donor engagement; information/digital technology; legal; business management; project management.
- Policy, public affairs, advocacy and/or influencing; ideally in the criminal/social justice/human rights sectors in England and Wales;
- As a practitioner in frontline service delivery organisations in the criminal/social justice/human rights sectors.
Desirable
- Expertise of lived experience of the criminal justice system. The CJA adopts a broad definition of lived experience, and includes, for example, experience of people who have been over-policed, have served a prison/community sentence, have been a victim of crime, and/or have family members in prison. We would also be interested in people who have other lived experience which they believe is relevant- please explain in your supporting statement.
- Membership of the CJA directly, or of organisations which themselves are CJA members.
- Being based or working in Wales or otherwise outside of London and the South-East.
- Understanding of membership organisations; and/or experience of building partnerships and networks.
- Experience (voluntary or paid) within the criminal or social justice sector at leadership level
- Solid understanding of good governance practices.
The following skills and attributes are needed:
- Strongly motivated and commitment to the CJA’s aims and values.
- Honesty, integrity and commitment to always act in the best interest of the charity.
- Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.• Sound independent judgement and strategic vision.
- Ability to think creatively and challenge constructively.
- A collegiate attitude and willingness to work with others.
- Willingness and ability to work in uncertain circumstances and be receptive to change.
- Demonstrable experience and a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and the ability to recognise and effectively challenge discrimination and bias.
Supporting document(s)
- cja-trustee-recruitment-pack-2025.pdf - Download
