Impact Report 2024-25

This year, we’ve seen genuine signs of hope for those failed by the justice system. The Law Commission’s decision to undertake a long-overdue review of the criminal appeals process signals a growing recognition that our system is not working as it should, and the results of the Henley report of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) on the back of our client, Andy Malkinson’s case only echoed this need for change. For APPEAL, this is a milestone moment: validation of years of tireless campaigning for a fairer, more transparent route to justice.

We’re also proud that our efforts to challenge the UK’s harsh and restrictive compensation regime for the wrongly convicted are beginning to shift public and political opinion. The momentum for reform is real—and it’s being driven by the courage of our clients and the dedication of our team.

But even as the conversation around justice reform gains ground, the need for our work has never been greater. We’ve seen a sharp rise in people reaching out for help—often desperate, having exhausted every other option, and unable to find a lawyer willing to take on the complex and underfunded task of a criminal appeal. This growing access-to-justice crisis is deeply worrying, and it’s why APPEAL continues to push for systemic change while fighting case by case for those who have been left behind.

Thank you for standing with us as we continue this work. Together, we are working on reshaping the landscape of justice—towards one that is fair, compassionate, and truly accountable.

Matt Foot and Emma Torr, Co-Directors of APPEAL