Kam Stevens announced as Inspire Justice Awards 2025 keynote speaker

1. Kam, tell us a bit about yourself and what motivates your work in the criminal justice system?

I’ve had quite a varied journey, working in the creative industries, justice reform and education, but the thread that ties it all together is people. What motivates me in the justice system is seeing how lives can change when people are given the right support and opportunities. I’ve worked with individuals who’ve been written off by society, but when they’re listened to, trusted, and invested in, they show extraordinary resilience and talent. That’s what keeps me going, the belief that the system doesn’t have to define people, but can actually help them rebuild.

2. You were recently involved in a project to develop global standards for employing people with lived experience. Can you tell us more?

This was a really special project for me. We launched the guidelines at the United Nations, and the whole idea was to put lived experience at the centre of change. Too often, people who’ve been through the system aren’t given the chance to contribute, when in fact they hold the insights that can make it better. These standards give organisations a framework to properly value that experience, not as a side note, but as a form of real expertise. For me, it was about taking something I’ve been passionate about for years and making it global.

3. As a Creative Director, Digital Consultant, Lecturer, you wear many hats; what achievement are you most proud of?

That’s a tough one! I’m proud of different things for different reasons. But if I’m honest, what makes me proudest isn’t a single award or title, it’s those quiet moments when I see change happening, a person I’ve been supporting landing their first big opportunity, or a project I’ve worked on being used by people on the ground to make their work easier or more meaningful. I wear many hats, but they all come back to the same thing: helping people unlock potential, whether that’s in the arts, technology, or justice reform.

4. You will be speaking at the Inspire Justice Awards on 25 September. The awards celebrate all those working in our criminal justice system who protect our communities and ensure that justice is done. Why do you think it’s important to celebrate their achievements.

People working in the justice system deal with challenges most of us couldn’t imagine and they do it day in and day out. It’s about people putting in the hours, the care, and dedication to keep communities safe and to give others a chance. If we don’t stop to recognise that, people can feel invisible. The awards give us a moment to say, “We see you. What you do matters.” And I think that acknowledgement fuels people to keep going.

5. Finally, what is your message to our finalists?

You’ve already achieved something incredible by being here. My message is simple: own it. Don’t underestimate the ripple effect of what you do. In a system that can feel slow to change, your courage and commitment are sparks of light. Keep leading with purpose, keep holding on to the “why” behind your work, and know that you’re shaping something bigger than yourself.