Speaking Topics
Drawn from lived experience of the UK criminal justice system, Steve Gallant QGM is a recognised criminal justice and prison reform speaker, specialising in extremism, rehabilitation and desistance. His talks combine a powerful personal narrative with practical insight into responsibility, resilience and the dark realities of life inside UK prisons. A sought-after speaker for conferences, universities, justice organisations and corporate audiences, each engagement is carefully tailored to the audience and context.
Resilience and Personal Transformation
Motivational keynote exploring the journey from serious criminal conviction and life imprisonment to personal transformation and public recognition. A powerful story about accountability, resilience and the capacity for change.
​Audience: Corporates, leadership events, conferences.
Choices, Loyalty and the Reality of Crime
An honest and direct talk for young people about peer pressure, gang culture and the consequences of criminal decisions. Encourages children and young adults to think critically about loyalty, friendship and dependency.
Audience: Schools, youth organisations and community programmes.
Extremism and Radicalisation
in Prison
First-hand insight into how extremist ideologies develop within custodial environments and what allows them to spread. Explores the dynamics of radicalisation and the policy challenges facing prisons.
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Steve is regularly invited as a speaker on extremism and radicalisation within the prison system.
Audience: Universities, policy institutes, justice professionals.
Joint Speaking Engagements
Some events benefit from hearing more than one lived experience. Steve offers joint speaking engagements alongside another speaker, creating a dynamic and reflective discussion.
These sessions can include Darryn Frost QGM, who intervened alongside Steve during the London Bridge terrorist attack. Together they share their account of the events and reflect on courage, friendship and the lasting impact of that moment.
Joint talks may also include other individuals with lived experience of the criminal justice system, offering audiences multiple perspectives on serving long sentences.
Suitable for: Universities and academic audiences, Criminal justice conferences, Schools and youth programmes, Public and community events
Crime, Consequences and Rehabilitation
A detailed exploration of the psychology of offending and the difficult process of genuine rehabilitation. Examines the belief systems that sustain criminal behaviour and the conditions required for real change.
Audience: Criminology students, justice programmes, academic audiences.
Lived Experience Speakers – Prison and Rehabilitation
Connecting organisations with authentic voices from the criminal justice system
In addition to his own speaking engagements, Steve can help organisations access a network of carefully selected speakers with lived experience of the criminal justice system.
These individuals bring first-hand insight into subjects that are often discussed in theory but rarely understood from the inside. Drawing on his extensive network developed during many years within the prison system, Steve can introduce speakers able to offer powerful and credible perspectives on a wide range of issues.
Topics may include:
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Serving long or life sentences in the UK prison system
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The experience of rehabilitation and behavioural change
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Life after prison and reintegration into society
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Woman in prison (female speaker)
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Probation, licence conditions and recall
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Parole board hearings and release processes
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Substance misuse and recovery
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Education and personal development in custody
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Fitness and staying healthy in prison
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Faith, identity and the role of religion in prison
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Psychological programmes and offending behaviour courses
These speakers can provide talks, panel discussions or workshops tailored to universities, criminal justice organisations, community groups and public policy events.
Steve works with organisations to identify the most appropriate speaker for the topic and audience.