EQUAL is a national independent advisory group set up to tackle racism in the UK’s criminal justice system. We are made up of members with various insights, expertise and experience of the criminal justice system and work collaboratively across the criminal justice sector to address racial disparity.

EQUAL charts its origins back to the Young Review of December 2014, steered by Baroness Lola Young of Hornsey. This Review and its ensuing report gave a comprehensive insight into the disproportionality of BAME people and Muslim men within the criminal justice system. It made trailblazing recommendations to inoculate against racial bias within the CJS.

One of the recommendations of the Report was to set up an independent advisory group which was established with experts from various fields of the criminal justice system. The Young Review Independent Advisory Group oversaw the implementations of the recommendations from the Young Review.

Baroness Lola Young Steered YRIAG for six years before stepping down as Chair in 2018 just before our rebrand as EQUAL.

Our vision is a criminal justice system that delivers fair outcomes for all. Our purpose is to help those involved in the development and delivery of criminal justice practice and policy to create a system free from unfair outcomes for BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) people. 

We believe that action must be taken to address the issues that lead to unjust experiences and outcomes for BAME people in the criminal justice system.

To address the poorer outcomes experienced by BAME groups and Muslims in the criminal justice system.