Global Freedom Consulting Agency (GF Consulting) is the world’s first global consulting agency of leaders with lived experience of the justice system, empowered as the go-to experts for governments and civil society actors looking to engage in innovative justice reform work grounded in smart-on-crime approaches. It is premised on the notion that those who have experience of justice systems are best poised to lead its radical reform, as they bring a wealth of wisdom to the table that makes justice policy and practice immeasurably stronger. Leaders who are inspired, healed, supported and connected to a global community work more effectively in their respective contexts; this is precisely what GF Consulting seeds and nurtures.
Members of GF Consulting joined the community via a two-week fellowship program for leaders with lived experience from around the world, held annually in South Africa, a place whose history was forged on movement-organizing behind bars—where Nelson Mandela famously declared, “In my country you go to prison first, and then you become president. ”
GF Consultants are supported by INN and myriad funders to engage in work on their home shores and transnationally. A support fund for the Fellows assists them to step into full-fledged leadership roles, covering such vital things as travel expenses to attend and create transnational events; educational and training opportunities; and more.
GF Consulting is proud to be comprised of 34 consultants from 19 countries.
The Launch of Global Freedom Consulting in Cape Town, South Africa, in April 2026:
The Global Freedom Fellowship Charter was co-authored by the inaugural cohort of Global Freedom Fellows, from the first-ever fellowship program for formerly incarcerated leaders from around the world. It is inspired by the South African Freedom Charter, the iconic document outlining the principles of democracy in post-Apartheid South Africa.
