Open Justice Awards 2026

Sasha praised the experience saying:

‘It means a great deal to me to have my contribution to the Open Justice Activities recognised, particularly because the opportunities provided by the Open Justice Centre have been such an important part of my development throughout my studies.

I have thoroughly enjoyed getting involved in the activities and gaining experiences that have allowed me to put my legal knowledge into practice, develop my confidence and, most importantly, understand the real-world impact that access to justice and legal education can have on people's lives’.

Susan Gowland – Individual winner 

Susan took part in the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Legal Project gave students the opportunity to engage in real-world legal research and public legal education by creating accessible legal resources for parents navigating the SEN system. Rather than advising clients directly, students focused on simplifying complex legal processes, explaining rights and entitlements, and developing materials that empowers parents to advocate for their children effectively.

Susan was nominated by Project Lead Emma Curryer who said:

‘Despite working on her own Susan managed to produce excellent resources on SEN. Her enthusiasm, perseverance and professional conduct was exemplary.'

Susan wrote a blog about the project which will be published on our website shortly. Susan writes

‘If you're thinking about signing up for the Access to Justice module, just do it. You never know where it might lead, and you might surprise yourself... I came out understanding much more about access to justice, public legal education, my own ability to work independently and, apparently, how much legal information my friends and family are prepared to tolerate’.

Outstanding team contribution to Open Justice 

This year the ‘Outstanding team contribution to Open Justice’ saw two teams win a prize.

Policy Clinic: Student Action for Refugees (STAR) Project| Rhianne Ford, Shelby Ford, Sofia Khan, Stephanie Sherrin, Michal Skierniewski, Rhys Smith, Izhaan Yaseen, Rebekah Zammett, Danielle Allen, Jamie Baker, Dylan Birkbeck, Michelle Bryce, Ioannis Charmousizis, John Douglas

A group of fourteen won a group award for their work in the Policy Clinic for the client Student Action for Refugees (STAR) and their ‘Equal Access’ campaign which is national campaign to ensure that people seeking refugee protection in the UK can better access higher education. 

The team were nominated by tutor Gillian Mawdsley and Project Lead Francie Ryan who praised the high standard of presentation and collaboration.

Francine said:

‘ The students worked on a brief from STAR researching home fee status across the four nations- the work was challenging but the students worked collaboratively to produce an excellent report and proposals for legislative reform’.

Group member Rhianne Ford said:

 ‘One of the most valuable aspects of the experience was working as part of a team. We met weekly to discuss our progress, go over the tasks we had completed and decide what needed to be done next. These meetings taught me the importance of communication, organisation and accountability.’

 

Group member Michelle Bryce said:

 ‘What began as individuals working remotely became a genuine team, with everyone contributing different strengths and perspectives. I had the opportunity to take a leadership role within elements of the project and contribute to presenting our findings. Seeing everything finally come together gave us a real sense of collective achievement. Winning the Open Justice Award 2026 for Best Team Contribution to Open Justice therefore felt particularly meaningful. It recognised not simply the final result, but what we had achieved collaboratively while working towards something with a genuine practical purpose'.

 

Group member Rhys Smith said:

 ‘I have learned an awful lot about myself through this module, and it has helped me to develop skills that I would not have otherwise had the chance to develop. I have learned emotional resilience, negotiation skills, legal research, oral advocacy, some new tech skills and how to be a better team worker. This has been without doubt the most influential module that I have undertaken at the Open University Law School'.

 

International Law: South Asia Democratic Forum Project| Jacob Jones, Myles Mulcahy, Giuseppina Tagliani

A group of three students won a group award for their work in the International Law Clinic.

The team were nominated by Project Lead Paul Troop who said:

‘The team undertook a collaboration with the South Asia Democratic Forum, carefully and sensitively researching the situation of minorities in Bangladesh, including conducting interviews with stakeholders in the country and writing up those interviews. On the basis of their research, they drew up three draft laws together with accompanying explanatory memoranda, to be used in campaigning by SADF. The work was completed extremely professionally and to a very high standard. It was incredibly well received and appreciated by the client. Throughout the team worked together effectively and respectfully’.