About this theme
This theme covers topics relating to prison and penal reform including ways to reduce reoffending in the UK. Many Fellows have undertaken projects addressing this over the years including as part of our recent programme of Fellowships developed in partnership with The Prison Reform Trust in 2013-2015. Partnership stories
Blogs & conversations Unlocking Rehabilitation: Learnings from high imprisonment rates
England and Wales imprisons more of its citizens than any other country in Western Europe according to a Prison Reform Trust Report. And in 2015, I became one of those imprisoned citizens.
By Jacob Hill, 2024
Blogs & conversations Reading in prisons - why there are grounds for optimism
Ministry of Justice data shows that 57 per cent of adult prisoners have literacy levels below those expected of an 11-year-old.
By Richard Wakelin, 2024
Blogs & conversations Behind These Doors: humanising the people behind the headlines
I became a prison officer at 22. As a young woman starting my first proper job, I found those first few months tough. Intense, intimidating, even misogynistic at times. But I also found courage and hope. My nerves turned into confidence, and those months turned into years.
By Alex South, 2023
Fellows' updates October 2023 Fellow's update: Alex South
Churchill Fellow Alex South's (CF 2017) gripping journey as a prison officer revealed in 'Behind These Doors,' airs on BBC Radio 4 this week as the prestigious Book of the Week. Don't miss this powerful tale shedding light on the realities behind prison walls by listening to BBC Radio 4.
By Alex South, 2023
Fellows' updates July 2023 Fellow's update: Richard Wakelin
Regional Lot Manager (Women’s Estate North Prisons) for Novus, part of the LTE Group, Richard Wakelin cCF 2017), has had an article published in FE News, in response to the Ofsted Report, 'Reading in Prisons, a Year On'. Richard expands on why there are grounds for optimism as reading education in prisons improves.
By Richard Wakelin, 2023
Fellows' updates July 2023 Fellow's update: Alex South
Former prison officer, Alex South (CF 2017) has written a book about her time as a prison officer called 'Behind These Doors'. It was recently serialised in the Sunday Times and selected as a Radio 4 Book of the Week. Alex also spoke on 'Womans Hour'about it in July and appeared in The Guardian. The final chapter of the book is about her Fellowship and the incredible experiences she had abroad.
By Alex South, 2023
Blogs & conversations Re-imagining the criminal justice system
By Nina Champion, 2023
Fellows' updates May 2023 Fellow's update: Mark Walsh
Mark Walsh (CF 2013), previously a Police Support Volunteer and founder of the Community Court, has change career and is driving trains. In May this year he was elected onto his local council as an independent Councillor and following a rigorous selection process; Mark was recently informed that the Lord Chief Justice approved the recommendation for him to be appointed as a Justice of the Peace for England and Wales. Mark's Fellowship focused on developing viable alternatives for youth offenders including peer courts and restorative justice.
By Mark Walsh, 2023
