Joshua Stunell
Nominee Profile
Location: Devon
I am Josh Stunell, Founder and CEO of bthechange CIC, an award-winning social enterprise dedicated to supporting individuals who are involved in or at risk of entering the criminal justice system. With a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice, I have worked for over a decade to transform the lives of marginalised communities, focusing on those affected by the criminal justice system and health inequalities. Success, for us at bthechange CIC, is not defined by profit margins or traditional business metrics—it’s written in the stories of resilience, transformation, and hope. It’s measured in the eyes of a woman leaving prison with dignity restored, in the hands of a young man choosing reconciliation over retribution, in the communities we’ve helped heal, and in the systems we continue to challenge.
At the heart of my work is a belief in creating systemic change by addressing the root causes of inequality. Through bthechange CIC, I lead several initiatives designed to support the recovery and reintegration of individuals who have been incarcerated, particularly Women & Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse individuals. Our work is rooted in cultural competency, trauma-informed care, and a holistic approach to recovery, ensuring that every individual receives the support they need to rebuild their lives.
My leadership extends beyond the direct services we provide. I am an active member of the Clinks Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group and the Local Criminal Justice Board in Devon and Cornwall, where I advocate for policies and practices that promote fairness, inclusion, and equality. My involvement with these groups ensures that I bring the lived reality of communities to the forefront of policy discussions.
In 2020 I co-founded the Anti-Racist Allyship Group, which uses our Principled Space Model—a racial and trauma-informed framework that creates safe spaces for dialogue, healing, and collective action. This model has allowed communities to address racial tension, heal together, and work towards a shared vision of inclusion. Especially after the summers racist riots.
I have also led initiatives to support women leaving prison. Through our collaboration with WayThrough, we’ve developed tailored services for women transitioning back into society, including providing substance, mental health, and social inclusion support. These programmes ensure that women have the necessary resources to overcome the challenges of reintegration.
One of the projects I’m most passionate about is the Safe Haven programme, which provides emergency accommodation and critical welfare support to marginalised individuals facing housing instability immediately after release from prison. This programme has been a lifeline for many, preventing homelessness and ensuring a stable foundation for successful reintegration.
I’m driven by a vision of a more inclusive and just society, where all individuals, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to thrive. Through my work with bthechange CIC and my collaborations with key partners, I continue to advocate for the systemic changes necessary to create a society where everyone can succeed and feel valued. The impact of this work has been life-changing for countless individuals, and I am proud to continue leading these efforts toward positive change. Our work has a far-reaching impact on individuals and communities, ensuring that marginalised populations are given the tools, resources, and support they need to rebuild their lives. Through our work in the Southwest of England and Wales, we are contributing to a more just, inclusive, and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and live with dignity.
At the heart of my work is a belief in creating systemic change by addressing the root causes of inequality. Through bthechange CIC, I lead several initiatives designed to support the recovery and reintegration of individuals who have been incarcerated, particularly Women & Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse individuals. Our work is rooted in cultural competency, trauma-informed care, and a holistic approach to recovery, ensuring that every individual receives the support they need to rebuild their lives.
My leadership extends beyond the direct services we provide. I am an active member of the Clinks Reducing Reoffending Third Sector Advisory Group and the Local Criminal Justice Board in Devon and Cornwall, where I advocate for policies and practices that promote fairness, inclusion, and equality. My involvement with these groups ensures that I bring the lived reality of communities to the forefront of policy discussions.
In 2020 I co-founded the Anti-Racist Allyship Group, which uses our Principled Space Model—a racial and trauma-informed framework that creates safe spaces for dialogue, healing, and collective action. This model has allowed communities to address racial tension, heal together, and work towards a shared vision of inclusion. Especially after the summers racist riots.
I have also led initiatives to support women leaving prison. Through our collaboration with WayThrough, we’ve developed tailored services for women transitioning back into society, including providing substance, mental health, and social inclusion support. These programmes ensure that women have the necessary resources to overcome the challenges of reintegration.
One of the projects I’m most passionate about is the Safe Haven programme, which provides emergency accommodation and critical welfare support to marginalised individuals facing housing instability immediately after release from prison. This programme has been a lifeline for many, preventing homelessness and ensuring a stable foundation for successful reintegration.
I’m driven by a vision of a more inclusive and just society, where all individuals, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to thrive. Through my work with bthechange CIC and my collaborations with key partners, I continue to advocate for the systemic changes necessary to create a society where everyone can succeed and feel valued. The impact of this work has been life-changing for countless individuals, and I am proud to continue leading these efforts toward positive change. Our work has a far-reaching impact on individuals and communities, ensuring that marginalised populations are given the tools, resources, and support they need to rebuild their lives. Through our work in the Southwest of England and Wales, we are contributing to a more just, inclusive, and equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and live with dignity.