Disproportionality Advisory Group
What is the disproportionality advisory group?
The purpose of the advisory group is to provide independent scrutiny of CPS research into disproportionality.
Who sits on the group?
The advisory group is made up of academics, legal professionals and third sector experts with experience in issues of racial equality, disproportionality and the justice system.
The current members are:
- Susie Uppal, Chief Executive Officer of the Press Recognition Panel
- Professor Loraine Gelsthorpe, Director and Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge, and a Fellow at Pembroke College
- Professor Mustafa F. Özbilgin, Professor of Organisational Behaviour at Brunel Business School, London, Co-Chaire Management et Diversité at Université Paris Dauphine, Visiting Professor of Management at Koç University in Istanbul
- Dr Seamus Taylor, Head of Applied Social Studies and Lecturer in Social Policy at Maynooth University
- Dr Angela Sorsby, Lecturer in Criminology at the University of Sheffield
- Dr Neena Samota, Programme Director for Criminology and Sociology at St. Mary’s University
- Fiona Rutherford, CEO of Justice
- Jamie Burton KC, Chair of Just Fair
- Jason Pitter KC, New Park Court Chambers.
Why is the group important?
It has long been established that there is an over-representation of ethnic minorities within the criminal justice system. The Ministry of Justice’s latest (December 2021) publication on statistics on race and the criminal justice system found that minority ethnic groups appear to be over-represented at many stages throughout the criminal justice system compared with the White ethnic group.
In February 2023 we published the findings of new independent research, conducted by the university of Leeds, which found that here is evidence of disproportionality in the outcomes of our decision-making – this includes disproportionality relating to ethnicity.
We have designed a comprehensive programme of further research which is intended to help identify the factors which may be causing this disproportionality.
The disproportionality advisory group will help us ensure we are approaching this work in the most effective way.
The academics will provide guidance on the scope of our research and support us to quality assure our work by providing independent scrutiny.
The third sector experts will offer feedback on the accessibility and presentation of our findings. They also share insight and expertise to help shape any proposed actions to mitigate disproportionality.
We aim to complete this further research by September 2023.