We’re working to create a just, humane & effective prison system.
We’re doing this by influencing decision-makers, opinion formers and the public to:
- Reduce the use of prison.
- Improve conditions for prisoners.
- Promote equality and human rights in the criminal justice system.
What are you looking for?
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Information and advice
Information and advice about prison, either for me or someone I know.
Information and Advice -
Facts and statistics
Statistics, facts and information about prison, and the prison system.
Facts and Statistics -
Publications
View all of our latest publications and research.
Publications -
Donate and support
We can only build a just, humane and effective penal system with your support.
Donate -
Policy and legislation
View our policy and legislative work, and consultation responses.
Policy & legislation -
Projects and research
View all of our current projects to reduce imprisonment and improve conditions for prisoners and their families.
Projects and Research -
Get in touch
Use our helpline service, or contact our press team and office.
Contact -
Opportunities
View our current vacancies and voluntary opportunities.
Opportunities
Latest news & updates
View all news and updates
Time out of cell — is the ministry telling the truth?
The only honest answer to whether prisoners are spending 23 hours a day in cell is “we don’t know”
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Justice Committee inquiry on women in prison
Government needs to invest in supporting women in the community, not building more prisons
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Parole changes – some questions answered, but many not…
Minister's response poses further questions, along with those left unanswered.
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New figures spark fears of a perfect storm in prisons
Prison service faces threat of too few staff and too many prisoners on the horizon
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Blog: Deconstructing the government’s prison building plans
Just how many prison places is the government building, and what have they delivered so far?
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Penal policy requires a political reset
PRT Director Peter Dawson responds to the 2021–22 HM Chief Inspector of Prisons' annual report
Our latest publications
View all publications- July 2022 Prison: the facts—Summer 2022 Prison: the facts is our shorter summary of prisons in England and Wales and the people in them. Prison: the facts—Summer 2022
- January 2022 Bromley Briefings Prison Factfile: Winter 2022 Our flagship publication brings together the latest facts about prisons and the people in them. Bromley Briefings Prison Factfile: Winter 2022
- December 2021 It Doesn’t Have To Be Like This The Covid-19 pandemic has brought an unprecedented experience of prolonged isolation to prisons with... It Doesn’t Have To Be Like This
- November 2021 Invisible Women: Understanding women’s experiences of long-term imprisonment Most women received into prison are serving short prison sentences of less than 12 months. However, ... Invisible Women: Understanding women’s experiences of long-term imprisonment
Policy work
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All-Party Parliamentary Group on Penal Affairs
All-Party Parliamentary Group on Penal AffairsThe All-Party Parliamentary Group on Penal Affairs aims to increase its members’ knowledge and to work through parliamentary channels for reform of the criminal justice system. Full minutes of meetings are available in this section.
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Legislation
LegislationWe provide support to members of parliament with briefing papers to assist them during debates, and draft amendments to legislation. You can find our published parliamentary briefings in this section.
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Consultation Responses
Consultation ResponsesPrison Reform Trust responds to many consultations, including those from government, parliamentary select committees and the Sentencing Council. You can find our published responses in this section.
Featured projects
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Prison: the facts Prison: the facts
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Prisoner Policy Network Prisoner Policy Network
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Building Futures Building Futures
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Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP)
Support us in our work to create a just, humane and effective penal system
The Prison Reform Trust needs and values support from members of the public who share our aims of achieving a just, humane and effective prison system in the UK. We do not accept government funding and rely on voluntary donations.
There are a number of ways in which you can add your support, keep in touch and get involved.
You can become a Friend by making a regular donation towards our work, or you can give a one off donation.
