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TechStart Programme

The TechStart Programme is a year-long programme of high-level events that will bring together leaders from the legal, political, corporate, and civic sectors. It examines the urgent challenges facing modern justice systems and the investment and reform needed to address them; why justice for all makes economic sense.

The concept was developed by Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney, who along with Deputy Keith Bottomley, has been elected as one of the Sheriffs of the City of London for 2025/26. Taking office in September for one year, among their duties will be hosting this series, centred at the Old Bailey—the most iconic criminal court in the world and a symbol of the UK’s legal heritage.

The series, sponsored by Serco, the provider of services and support to governments internationally with UK operations spanning defence, space, healthcare, justice and migration, transport and citizen services, will explore the financial, moral, and institutional requirements for delivering justice in the 21st century. It aims to identify practical strategies for improving judicial infrastructure, supporting survivors and the accused, reducing reoffending, and harnessing new technologies like AI for the public good.

The first of five events launches this autumn at the Old Bailey provides the backdrop to later events and commemorates two major milestones: the 800th anniversary of the 1225 reissue of Magna Carta and the 10th anniversary of UN Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Supported by the City of London Corporation in partnership with the Magna Carta Trust, the event will feature a keynote address by Lord Neuberger, former President of the UK Supreme Court and former Master of the Rolls and will provide a timely opportunity to reflect on the rule of law. Panellists at the first one include:

Dr Karen Brewer, Secretary General Commonwealth Magistrates & Judges Association,
Rt Hon Alex Chalk KC, former Lord Chancellor,
Maha Jweied, CEO of Responsible Business Initiative for Justice, and
Rt Rev Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Winchester.

Subsequent events will focus on:

Justice for the Accused – exploring fair treatment and access to representation – 4th Feb 2026
Justice for Survivors – addressing support for victims of modern slavery and gender-based violence – 23rd Mar 2026
Justice for Prison Leavers – tackling rehabilitation, education, and employment – 18th May 2026
Financing sustainable improvements to the justice system– financing justice for the next generation – 29th Jun 2026

Each event will be supported by briefing papers prepared by RAND Europe, an independent, not-for-profit policy research organisation dedicated to improving policy and decision-making through rigorous, objective research and analysis. The topics discussed at the five events will be synthesized into a capping report to be published in the Summer of 2026.

Released 2nd September 2025

Serco Sponsors the TechStart Programme

London, UK — Serco, the international provider of critical government services, has beenannounced as the lead sponsor of the TechStart Programme, a landmark programme of
events dedicated to building a fairer and more effective justice system. Hosted at the world’s most famous criminal court, the Old Bailey, the series will convene leading voices from the legal, political, corporate, and civic spheres to tackle some of the most urgent challenges facing justice systems today. Themes will include sustainable investment, judicial reform, and the integration of new technologies.

Serco will speak at the inaugural event on 30 October 2025, contribute to the expert panel at the Justice for the Accused event on 3 February 2026, and take part in the closing event in June 2026.

Within the justice system, Serco plays a vital role in prisoner escorting and court custody services, as well as managing and operating 11 prisons across England, Australia and New Zealand, where they deliver innovative programmes designed to prepare individuals for successful reintegration into society. Their holistic approach to rehabilitation focuses on education, skills development, and meaningful work opportunities inside prisons—equipping people with the tools to rebuild their lives. Beyond release, Serco provides support with employment, housing, and mentoring to reduce reoffending and strengthen communities. The initiative was conceived by Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney, who this month takes office as Sheriff of the City of London. The series also marks two major milestones: the 800th anniversary of the 1225 reissue of Magna Carta and the 10th anniversary of UN Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney said: “Justice is the foundation of a fair and thriving society. With Serco’s valued support, the TechStart Programme will bring together leaders from across sectors to confront systemic challenges and explore practical, evidence-based solutions that promote rehabilitation, reduce reoffending, and strengthen trust in our justice system. I am deeply grateful to Serco for their commitment to this vital work.”

Mark Whittaker, Managing Director of Justice at Serco, said: “At Serco, we believe that justice must serve everyone – victims, communities, and those seeking a second chance. Our partnership with the TechStart Programme reflects our shared commitment to building a justice system that is not only efficient and secure, but also compassionate and forward-looking. By investing in rehabilitation, education, and reintegration, we aim to reduce reoffending and ease the wider impact of crime on society and the economy. Together, we can create pathways to reform that uphold dignity, restore lives, and strengthen public trust in justice”.

The TechStart Programme will identify practical strategies for improving judicial infrastructure, supporting survivors and the accused, reducing reoffending, and harnessing new technologies—including AI—for the public good.

Released September 2025

Lord Neuberger to Deliver Keynote at Launch of Groundbreaking ‘Justice for All’ Series

Keynote to outline vision for a modern justice system in a changing world

London, UK- The TechStart Programme—a bold new initiative exploring the future of the UK’s justice system—will launch this autumn with a keynote address by Lord Neuberger, former President of the UK Supreme Court.

Marking the start of a year-long programme, the first event, ‘800 Years of Justice; Magna Carta to UN SDG 16’, will see Lord Neuberger’s speech provide a timely and authoritative reflection on the rule of law and its place in a fair and functional society.
Held at the world’s most famous criminal court, the Old Bailey, the TechStart Programme will bring together influential voices from across the legal, political, corporate, and civic spheres to confront the urgent challenges facing modern justice systems. Topics will include sustainable investment, judicial reform, and the integration of new technologies.

The initiative was conceived by Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney, who will take office next month as Sheriff of the City of London. The series commemorates two major milestones: the 800th anniversary of the 1225 reissue of Magna Carta and the 10th anniversary of UN Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

“I am delighted to contribute to this important initiative,” said Lord Neuberger. “The TechStart Programme offers a timely and much-needed platform to reflect on the meaning of justice in today’s society. I look forward to delivering the keynote address and to the conversations—and actions—that this series will inspire over the year ahead.”

Confirmed speakers for the first event include Dr Karen Brewer, Secretary General of the Commonwealth Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association, Former Secretary of State for Justice, the Rt Hon Alex Chalk, the Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen the Bishop of Winchester and Maha Jweied, CEO of the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice.

Released September 2025