The Q-Seed

programme

Q-SEED is a ‘by-and-for’ Founder Programme for Black and Global Majority service leaders in the Criminal Justice Space.

programme

Q-seed supports black and global

majority service leaders in the criminal

justice space by increasing access to

capital, and driving policy reform.

Q-seed supports majority service leaders in the criminal justice space by
increasing access to capital, and driving policy reform.

Access to capital

Social capital, technical capital, and equity capital are particularly crucial for Black and Global Majority founders, they are the key pillars for launching, sustaining and driving growth. They are also critical to the success of Black and Global Majority founders delivering services in one of the most maligned and structurally distorted sectors in civil society.

Social Capital

Refers to the network of relationships and connections a founder leader can leverage for opportunities, partnerships, intelligence, and advice. Such networks are especially vital for Black and Global Majority founder leaders, who often face systemic barriers to growth. Strong social ties can provide access to industry insiders, potential clients, and experienced mentors, levelling the playing field in a competitive market. Those who take part in Q-SEED will be exposed to a whole new and powerful network of influencers.

Technical Capital

Refers to the technological resources and expertise a founder possesses or can access. In today’s digitally driven economy, having the right technology and know-how to utilize it can be a game-changer. For Black founder leaders, mastering technical capital means not just keeping pace with competitors but also innovating and leading in their respective fields. This is particularly important in industries where Black and Global Majority representation at a senior management level is historically low. The harnessing of technology offers a chance to break new ground and inspire future generations. It is one of the elements that sets Q-SEED apart from similar initiatives.

Equity Capital

Is the financial investment injected into a business. Securing funding/investment is often a significant challenge for Black founder leaders due to disparities in wealth distribution and structural biases in funding institutions. Access to equity capital enables these entrepreneurs to scale their businesses and organisations, invest in research and development, and hire top talent. It’s not merely about the availability of funds but the acknowledgment and trust in the potential of Black-led businesses through financial investment.

Social, technical, and equity capital together form the foundation stone of Q-SEED’s growth programme for inspiring founder leaders within the Criminal Justice Space. From it comes the much-needed support and expert guidance that can underpin their resilience and growth.

Innovation

Q-SEED is driving new approaches to support marginalised founder leaders in the criminal justice space. We are championing innovation, inclusivity and prosperity. Central to our process is the health and wellbeing of our participants, which is a thread that runs through the whole process.

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Driving policy reform

multiple individuals on a black lives matter march

Generations of Black and Global Majority leaders through various strategies and initiatives, have pushed for policy change and the dismantling of deep-rooted bias within the UK’s institutionally racist criminal justice system. Their efforts have been instrumental in calling out systemic injustices in the UK.

By highlighting cases of unfair treatment, wrongful convictions, and disproportionate sentencing, they have not only educated the public but also worked relentlessly to pressure policymakers and legal institutions to enact reforms. The Q-SEED pilot is working with the next generation of founder leaders to sustain and further strengthen that legacy of campaigning for fair and just treatment within and before the law.

Furthermore, we are working with Q-SEED founder leaders to ensure they actively participate in policy-making processes that hold the politicians, and lawmakers to account. By the end of our Q-SEED pilot, participants will understand the importance of parliamentary sessions, and the submitting of policy recommendations as an integral aspect of their work. They understand the importance of working with Think Tanks, academic institutions, and specialists in public affairs and policy reform who can articulate the nuances of structural and systemic racism and propose evidence-based solutions, thereby influencing the creation and amendment of laws.

They will also develop an increased appreciation of the agency that comes from a detailed research and data collection strategy, and how , by working with others to present empirical evidence of systemic bias, they can more effectively challenge the status quo and advocate for data-driven policies. They will develop a deeper appreciation of the degree to which ethical community led research not only sheds light on the extent of the problem, but also guides the development of targeted processes to address specific issues, such as racial profiling or the lack of diversity within the judiciary alongside the police and crime commissioners.

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Driving Policy Reform

If we do not work to secure a seat at the table we will forever be on the menu. Q-SEED aims to disrupt the criminal justice space in order to facilitate change.

The Q-Seed

programme

programme

Access to capital

Social Capital

Technical Capital

Equity Capital

Innovation

Driving policy reform

behind the scenes