prt job vacancy - programme director

Could you help to reduce women’s imprisonment across the UK?

The Prison Reform Trust, supported by The Pilgrim Trust, is looking for an experienced manager to develop and lead an effective three year strategy to cut the numbers of women in prison.

for more information and an application pack click here

smartjustice for women

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People want offenders to make amends, poll reveals

ICM survey results offer massive vote of support for community payback and restorative justice.

The results of an ICM telephone poll of 1,000 members of the public, conducted one month after the riots in England, show overwhelming popular support for constructive ways in which offenders can make amends to victims for the harm they have caused.

Read more and by clicking this link

winston churchill memorial trust travelling fellowships

An innovative partnership between the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust (WCMT) and the Prison Reform Trust (PRT) will seek to learn lessons from abroad that could assist policymakers in the UK in reducing reoffending and prison numbers.

We must not forget that when every material improvement has been effected in prisons, when the temperature has been rightly adjusted, when the proper food to maintain health and strength has been given, when the doctors, chaplains and prison visitors have come and gone, the convict stands deprived of everything that a free man calls life. We must not forget that all these improvements, which are sometimes salves to our consciences, do not change that position.

The mood and temper of the public in regard to the treatment of crime and criminals is one of the most unfailing tests of the civilisation of any country. A calm and dispassionate recognition of the rights of the accused against the state, and even of convicted criminals against the state, a constant heart-searching by all charged with the duty of punishment, a desire and eagerness to rehabilitate in the world of industry all those who have paid their dues in the hard coinage of punishment, tireless efforts towards the discovery of curative and regenerating processes, and an unfaltering faith that there is a treasure, if you can only find it, in the heart of every man these are the symbols which in the treatment of crime and criminals mark and measure the stored-up strength of a nation, and are the sign and proof of the living virtue in it.

Winston Churchill, House of Commons speech, given as Home Secretary, July 20, 1910

click this link for more information

Prison reform trust reponse to the government's consultation "getting it right for victims and witnesses"

In its consultation document Getting it right for victims and witnesses the government sets out its priorities for reforming the way victims and witnesses are treated in the criminal justice system. Those priorities are that practical and emotional support should be given to those who need it most, victims should receive help as and when they need it, services should meet the different needs of communities across the country and that offenders should make reparation for the impact of their crimes.

The Prison Reform Trust is supportive of some proposals especially the greater use of restorative justice pre and post sentence, but expresses strong concerns about the possible fragmentation of victim support services. Concerns are raised about the Victim Surcharge and, crucially, the case is made for prisoners, former prisoners and ex-offenders to receive the same victim support services as those who have not been convicted of offences.

Read our response to the consultation by clicking this link

Ministers outline steps to keeping “Care not custody” promise

24/04/2012 13:55:00

The Health Secretary Andrew Lansley and the Justice Minister Crispin Blunt have outlined the progress made towards diverting people with mental health needs from the justice system into treatment and care at a Westminster reception on 23 April.

The ministers detailed steps taken towards the creation of a national liaison and diversion service for vulnerable offenders by 2014, backed by Department of Health investment of £50 million towards its development and evaluation.

Prison schooling young men and women in crime

25/01/2012 00:01:00

Locking up impressionable young men and women in adult jails with nothing to do risks creating a disaffected generation more likely to turn to crime, according to a new report by the Prison Reform Trust.

No way out for foreign national women behind bars

11/01/2012 00:01:00

Too many vulnerable foreign national women are locked up for non-violent crimes and have often been trafficked or coerced into offending, according to a joint briefing by the Prison Reform Trust and Hibiscus.

You can find out more and download the report by clicking this link

New facts and figures reveal impact of august riots on prisons

14/12/2011 00:01:00

Those responsible for the justice system know only too well that one dreadful event, or a high profile court case, can have a devastating impact on prison numbers. The latest edition of the Bromley Briefings Prison Factfile reveals how the August riots, as well as causing harm and distress in communities, propelled an extra 846 people into our already overcrowded jails. This hit the prison service hard when it was already trying to cope with severe budget cuts and overcrowding largely driven by inflation in sentencing.

Care - A stepping stone to custody?

08/12/2011 00:01:00

New research from the Prison Reform Trust and National Children’s Bureau (NCB), indicates that “looked after” may be a misnomer when it comes to some children in care. Most children are taken into care because they have been abused, neglected or experienced family breakdown. The state is supposed to look after them and protect them from further harm. Yet looked after children are far more likely to be convicted of a crime and end up in custody than other children.

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Children with learning disabilities and other impairments are more likely to go to prison than other young people because the youth justice system is failing to recognise their needs, according to a major survey of youth offending team (YOT) staff.