This month marked a pivotal moment in U.K. criminal justice reform. James Timpson OBE, a distinguished business leader known for his commitment to Fair Chance Hiring, was appointed as the country’s new Prisons Minister following a historic election. This appointment represents a significant shift in the U.K.'s approach to criminal justice — one that emphasizes the value of a private sector perspective.
At RBIJ, we know that business leaders like Timpson have a critical role to play in protecting human rights and combating poverty. The United Nations’ focus this month on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, which calls for equal access to justice, further underscores the importance of private sector leadership to advancing justice worldwide.
I had the privilege of serving as the U.S. Government’s SDG 16 expert for a time when I was working at the U.S. Department of Justice. From that experience, I can attest to the fact that the SDGs were developed in a multi-stakeholder environment. Governments partnered with civil society, citizens, and the business community in recognition that the ambition behind the agenda required collaboration across society.
That’s why I know RBIJ’s partnership with the business community is a winning strategy — not just for our work to advance justice within the U.S. and the U.K., but across the globe. When businesses share how they’re working to reform justice systems, reframe narratives, and restore communities, it inspires their peers to act.
RBIJ is proud to help our business partners do just that. Whether we’re engaging in multilateral meetings at the UN, supporting the leadership of business leaders like Timpson in criminal justice arenas, or spotlighting the business community’s impact on workforce equity in major media platforms — we are spreading your message beyond national borders.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership,
RBIJ’s CEO, Maha Jweied, appeared on Axios’ “1 Big Thing” podcast to discuss why businesses need to lead on Second Chance Hiring — and how this approach benefits not only job-seekers with records, but society as a whole. Listen here.
Today, RBIJ’s Director of Policy & Advocacy, Maggie O’Donnell, will speak alongside Ben & Jerry’s Palika Makam and B Lab’s Grace Mausser and Hugues Sygney Jr. on the role of businesses in creating a more just and equitable society through hiring practices and policy initiatives. RSVP and join the webinar at 3:00 p.m. EDT.
This month marked the 200th exoneration from death row in the United States. Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson highlighted the injustice of wrongful convictions and urged business leaders to join the Business Leaders Against the Death campaign. Sign the #BizVsDP declaration here and encourage colleagues in your network to join us.
Interested in learning more about our Policy & Advocacy work? Check out our new and improved factsheets on our key issue areas. Featuring important statistics and the business case for criminal justice reform, don’t miss out on seeing how your company can get involved and help drive change.
Taja Hereford, one of RBIJ’s Inclusive Hiring Managers, joined more than 1,000 Chamber of Commerce professionals at the #ACCE24 Annual Convention in Dallas last week. She participated in sessions highlighting how chambers can advance community safety through inclusive hiring, engaging with leaders from Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, Vera Institute of Justice, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, and the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce.
Unlock Potential Summer Learning Series
The second virtual session in the Summer Learning Series for Unlock Potential participants took place this month. Organized and hosted by DLA Piper Global Law Firm, this session focused on the potential legal challenges young adults face as they enter the working world. Our gratitude to Annie Geraghty Helms, Regina Hernandez, and Sarah Worthington for leading such an informative session.
RBIJ at SHRM Foundation Community of Practice 2024 and SHRM Annual Conference & Expo 2024
Caz Walcott, RBIJ’s Director of Inclusive Hiring, attended the SHRM Foundation Opportunity Youth Community of Practice event in Chicago. She participated in discussions with youth-serving organizations and HR stakeholders about barriers, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration between employers and community-based organizations.
RBIJ GROWS ITS BUSINESS COALITIONS
Fourteen New #BizVsDP Signatories
RBIJ welcomes the latest signatories to the Business Leaders Against the Death Penalty Declaration! Are you a business leader ready to make a difference? Sign onto the #BizVsDP Declaration today.
Paul Blavin, Co-Founder, Mercy BioAnalytics, Beloved Brands
Friederike Bruckert, Executive Consultant
Jerome Dixon, Founder & CEO, V21
Ryan Dominquez, Founding Director, Mass CultivatED
Julian Hall, Founder & CEO, Ultra Education C.I.C
Genevieve Martin, Founder & Co-Founder, Geboma & Co., Talent Nova
Frederika McClary Easley, Executive Director, The Cannabis Impact Fund
Halim Flowers, Founder & CEO, Halim A. Flowers Studios LLC
Charlotte Garnes, Founder, ReNforce
Louis L. Reed, Founder, Decoded Story
Dr. Topeka K. Sam, Co-Founder & Chief Visionary Officer, FRSH Community
Shaka Sengor, President, Shaka Senghor Inc
Jazz Singh, Founder, Empower Ability
Peter G. Tranders, Owner, Tranders Consult
Ten New WJA Members
RBIJ welcomes the latest businesses who have joined the Workforce & Justice Alliance! Not a WJA member? Join now for access to our network and exclusive resources.
Responsible Business Initiative for Justice, 1050 30th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007
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