Org in the Spotlight – August 2024

Published: August 8, 2024

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About FJSS Group

Fair Justice System for Scotland (FJSS) Group, based in West Calder, West Lothian, is a grassroots legal charity dedicated to championing racial diversity and inclusion within the Scottish justice system and society. We achieve this by supporting stakeholder organisations in their policy development processes and implementing programs and activities that promote the inclusion of ethnic minorities.

Our Purpose

Ethnic minorities often face additional challenges in areas such as immigration, employment, housing, and education, leaving them more vulnerable to various forms of risk. Our work is driven by the lived experiences of our community members in these areas. We are passionate about advocating for reforms that contribute to a fairer Scotland for all, while supporting the well-being of those facing marginalisation. We take on this responsibility to amplify the voices of the marginalised under a unified platform.

Our Activities

At FJSS Group, our activities are organised into the following themes:

  • Policy Development Support: Our mini symposiums bring together leading minds from government institutions and local authorities to identify and drive critical policy transformations that enhance diversity and inclusion within their organisations.
  • Promoting Racial Diversity and Inclusion: Annually, we host the Equalities Conference to address the persistent lack of racial equality, diversity, and inclusion in the Scottish workplace, aiming to develop actionable solutions. Our Secondary School Debate Series raises awareness about prejudice and discrimination, fostering empathy and solidarity among the younger generation.
  • Legal Services: We provide legal guidance and representation in employment and immigration matters to ethnic minorities who cannot afford these services, ensuring that every voice is heard regardless of financial constraints or systemic barriers.
  • Welfare Support Services: We offer essential food support to low-income families from Black African and other ethnic minority backgrounds in Scotland. Additionally, we provide culturally sensitive mental health support through our highly skilled and experienced team.
  • Volunteer Engagement: We offer volunteering opportunities for marginalised individuals, providing them with a sense of purpose and a pathway to empowerment.
  • Reflecting on Historical Justice: Our Windrush Consultative project amplifies the stories and experiences of the Windrush generation in Scotland, highlights the living conditions of those still alive, and works to expedite government-provided compensation for them.

Upcoming Events

  • Justice Sector Equalities Conference 2024 (see details below)

Relevant Links

 

About the Event

The Justice Sector Equalities Conference is the flagship annual event for the Scottish justice sector, first launched in June 2019 at the COSLA Conference Centre in Edinburgh. This year’s conference will run under the theme “Our Judiciary and Law Enforcement: How Diversity and Inclusion Might Look Like?” The event provides key stakeholders in the justice sector an opportunity to explore ways to enhance diversity and inclusion, aiming to create a fair justice system reflective of contemporary Scottish society.

Key Details

Guest Speakers

  • Lord President, Lord Carloway PC FRSE – President, Court of Session and Lord Justice General of Scotland
    Welcome to Parliament Hall
  • Sheriff Pino Di Emidio – Director, Judicial Institute of Scotland
    The Scottish Judiciary in Context
  • Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, The Rt Hon Angela Constance MSP – Scottish Government
    Keynote Address to the Conference

High-Level Panel Discussion

  • Ms Susan Murray – President, Law Society of Scotland
  • Ms Paula Stevenson – Chief Executive Officer, Judicial Appointments Board
  • Toney Jones KC – Senior Partner, Brodies LLP
  • Catriona Paton – Assistant Chief Constable, Police Scotland
  • The Rt Honourable Lady Wise – Scottish Tribunals Council President
  • Dr Amon Haniff and Dr Katie Myhill – FJSS Group Strategy & Policy Development – The Framework for the Implementation of a Roadmap to Diversification of the Scottish Justice System
  • Moderated by Lindsay Jack – Head of Diversity, Careers, and Outreach, Law Society of Scotland

Other Expected Guests

Representatives from across the Scottish justice sector and legal profession.

Core Objectives

  • To highlight the need for more active steps toward improving racial equality, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession and wider justice system in Scotland.
  • To provide a platform for key stakeholders in the justice sector to explore ways to further diversity and inclusion, creating a fair justice system reflective of Scottish society today.
  • To review and discuss the Framework for the Implementation of a Roadmap to Diversification of the Scottish Justice System.

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