” I have been bombarding MPs with email invites inviting them to hospitality at our many courtrooms around the country.” I. Stephanie Boyce FKC, FRSA

’Soft influencing techniques’

I have been bombarding MPs with email invites inviting them to hospitality at our many courtrooms

around the country as I seek to schmooze, influence, and lobby them on the state of the

justice system and secure funding for it.

I’ve suggested that attending this event will allow MP’s the opportunity to see the many challenges first-hand while also having the chance to unwind.

I have, however, highlighted the need to declare the hospitality because of the risk of a conflict of interest when the need to vote

or make decisions on closing courts, early release of prisoners, investing to clear the court backlogs, properly resourcing the justice system, providing adequate support for victims, etc. arises.

Transparency is key, so I have made it clear that I am not trying to influence them; I just want them to experience

the state of justice in Britain today and for me and colleagues to lobby directly for funding and resources for our fourth emergency service.

So far I’ve not had many takers, which I am somewhat perplexed by as I cannot think of a better “public service reason” to attend.

I will, however, keep trying to drum up support.

*Disclaimer: Please note this is my light-hearted take on a story that continues to rumble on over soft influencing techniques being deployed to influence MP’s. I have not sent out hundreds of emails to MP’s yet!
#JusticeSystem #PublicService
#LobbyforChange #ProperlyFundJustice

I. Stephanie Boyce FKC, FRSA

Former President of the Law Society of England and Wales