Our History

Conviction was founded in 2017 by our Founder, Ryan Jarvis, with the primary aim of providing assistance to incarcerated individuals who lacked financial resources to access proper guidance and support. However, as the demand for support grew, it became evident that there was a substantial need for comprehensive help, advice, and guidance throughout the entire criminal justice journey. While other organisations were already engaged in important work in this field, it was insufficient to meet the increasing demand.

As a result, Conviction has evolved into not just an organisation but also a movement for reform. By challenging the existing norms, we strive to amplify the voices of individuals who are often underserved or not treated in accordance with their rights. Our resources are limited, and we heavily depend on the generosity and dedication of our volunteers to achieve our mission.

Our Timeline

  • April 2017 Conviction was established as a charitable company. Conviction became a member of the Clinks community. Clinks supports, promotes, and represents the voluntary sector that works with individuals in the criminal justice system and their families.
  • April 2018 The official launch of our online Criminal Justice Hub resource. Conviction became a member of the NCVO community. NCVO is a membership community for charities, voluntary organisations, and community groups in England.
  • June 2019 The official introduction of our policy area focusing on Autism in the Criminal Justice System.
  • April 2020 Conviction received recognition for its outstanding work and was awarded the Best Criminal Justice NPO of the Year by SME News Legal Awards.