Why lived experience matters, why it needs to be heard at every level, and why people with criminal records have so much more to offer than society often recognises.

I became a Trustee of Clinks in November 2021, driven by a passion for lived experience and a strong belief that people who have experienced the criminal justice system should have a meaningful voice at every level of decision-making.

My passion is deeply personal. Having my own lived experience of the criminal justice system, I understand the importance of being listened to, being given opportunities and, perhaps most importantly, being seen as more than your past.

I wanted to bring that perspective into a space where it could make a difference. I wanted to help ensure that lived experience wasn't simply something organisations talked about, but something that was genuinely valued, recognised and embedded in the way decisions are made.

Being part of something that makes a difference

One of the most rewarding aspects of my time as a Trustee has been attending Clinks conferences and having the opportunity to network with partners and organisations who are members of Clinks.

These experiences have given me the opportunity to meet people who are passionate about supporting individuals who are in contact with the criminal justice system. There is some fantastic work taking place across the voluntary sector, often in challenging circumstances, and it is encouraging to see the commitment, dedication and determination of organisations working to improve people's lives.

It has also reinforced for me just how important the voluntary sector is. These organisations provide vital support, challenge existing systems and create opportunities for people who might otherwise feel excluded or overlooked.

Of course, challenges remain. Funding continues to be a significant issue, and there is still much work to do to ensure that organisations have the resources and support they need to continue delivering their work.

But alongside those challenges, there is so much to celebrate.

Lived experience is expertise

One of the biggest lessons I have taken from being a Trustee is that we still have a long way to go in shifting attitudes towards lived experience.

We need to move beyond simply acknowledging that lived experience is important and start recognising it as genuine expertise.

People who have experienced the criminal justice system bring knowledge, insight and understanding that cannot necessarily be gained through academic study, professional qualifications or training courses.

There is a difference between understanding a system through theory and understanding what it feels like to experience that system first-hand.

Both perspectives have value, but one should never be considered more important than the other.

Lived experience can help organisations understand the real impact of policies, services and decisions. It can challenge assumptions, highlight gaps in provision and bring perspectives into discussions that might otherwise be missing.

Yet, too often, people with lived experience are invited into conversations without being given the influence or recognition they deserve.

For me, meaningful inclusion means being involved from the beginning, having the opportunity to influence decisions and knowing that your contribution is genuinely valued.

It is about having a seat at the table and being able to help shape what happens around it.

Using my voice to represent others

As a Trustee, I am proud to bring a lived experience perspective into meetings and discussions. I am not afraid to challenge appropriately, ask questions and offer a different perspective where I feel it is needed.

I recognise that not everyone has the opportunity, confidence or platform to share their experiences and views. That makes my role feel even more important.

I see myself as advocating not only for my own perspective but also for the many people who may not have the opportunity to be heard.

This responsibility is something I take seriously.

Being a Trustee has taught me a great deal, both personally and professionally. Perhaps the most significant lesson has been recognising that I have a voice, that my opinions matter and that I have every right to use that voice.

It has given me the confidence to speak up, challenge and contribute without feeling that I need to make myself smaller or remain invisible.

I matter. My experience matters. My voice matters.

Those might sound like simple statements, but they represent something significant for someone who has experienced the criminal justice system and understands how easily people can feel defined by their past.

We are more than our criminal records

If there is one message I would like people to take away from my experience, it is this:

People with criminal records are so much more than their criminal records.

A criminal record should not define someone's identity, potential or ability to contribute positively to society.

People have skills, talents, ambitions, knowledge and experiences that deserve to be recognised. They have the ability to influence change, shape services, challenge systems and make valuable contributions to organisations and communities.

Their lived experience is not something to be overlooked or treated as a barrier. It is an asset.

We need organisations, decision-makers and those in positions of influence to recognise this. We need to create environments where people feel safe, respected and empowered to share their experiences without fear of judgement or being reduced to their past.

Most importantly, we need to ensure that lived experience is not just included when it is convenient, but embedded at every level, including leadership, governance and strategic decision-making.

Looking ahead

Since becoming a Trustee in November 2021, my journey with Clinks has helped me grow in confidence, develop professionally and strengthen my belief in the importance of lived experience.

I am proud to play a part in an organisation that recognises the importance of the voluntary sector and the work being done to support people affected by the criminal justice system.

There is still work to do. Attitudes need to change, barriers need to be challenged and lived experience needs to be given the recognition it deserves.

I will continue to bring my perspective, ask difficult questions when necessary and advocate for meaningful inclusion.

Because ultimately, this is about more than having a voice for myself. It is about helping to create opportunities for others to have theirs heard too.

We are not defined by our past. We should be recognised for who we are, what we know and what we can contribute.  Lived experience deserves a place at every table where decisions are being made.

Written by Amina Ditta

November 2026