The Foundation is commissioning a new evidence review as part of our Public right to justice programme, exploring the justice system’s engagement with the public.
We believe the existing evidence base can be used more effectively to create a persuasive case for change.
We are seeking expert researchers to conduct a review titled Engaging the public in justice: participation, representation, and transparency in the justice system. The review will explore, synthesise, critically appraise and present research, data, and evidence in an accessible way.
The review will support our programme’s objective to use research in a more coordinated and impactful way and to inform proposals for wider improvement in the justice system.
Deadline and budget
The deadline is 11am, Monday 22 September 2025.
We invite tenders of up to a maximum of £65,000 (excluding VAT).
Submitting a tender
Who should apply?
We are looking for social science or legal researchers with expertise in legal studies, public policy and political sciences, sociology, or related fields. Alongside expertise in the topic area, ideal candidates will bring experience in review methodology, evidence synthesis, and a strong ability to communicate findings in an accessible, compelling way. We welcome bids from individual organisations or consortia.
How to submit your proposal
To submit a tender, you must first obtain an application form by completing this Expression of Interest form. Upon receiving your Expression of Interest, we will email an application pack – please allow up to two working days to receive this.
The deadline for submitting a proposal is 11am, Monday 22 September 2025.
FAQs
We welcome clarification questions to be submitted in one of two ways.
- There will be an opportunity to submit clarification questions when completing an Expression of Interest form
- Clarification questions may also be submitted by email sent to contactjustice@nuffieldfoundation.org
All clarification questions must be submitted by 11am on 22 August 2025. Responses to clarification questions will be published on or by 29 August 2025.
About the Public right to justice programme
An effective, fair, and accessible justice system is fundamental to social and indeed economic well-being. Our Public right to justice programme underlines that while the public have the notional right to such a system, this is often compromised in practice.
The programme confronts the challenges and explores possible solutions. It principally focuses on administrative, civil, and family justice (though considers other areas when instructive). We are concentrating particularly on the circumstances of disadvantaged people and the points where they encounter the justice system.