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
PRT comment: HMP Pentonville receives Urgent Notification
HMP Pentonville stands as a grim testament to a system in crisis
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PRT statement on sentencing in the recent fraud case
Read our full statement
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PRT comment: Justice and Home Affairs Committee report Better Prisons: Less Crime
Any improvements are predicated on reducing the pressures of rising demand on an overburdened system
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PRT comment: HMP Haverigg
A positive report showing what can be achieved by an experienced governor and strong leadership team
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A call to action right here, right now!
PRT Associate Sarah Beresford summarises PRT’s recent Right here, right now! event
Our latest publications
View all- June 2025 Update and Restart Most prisons now offer virtual methods for staying in touch with loved ones, along with expanded pro... Update and Restart
- April 2025 Resetting the approach to women’s imprisonment This briefing sets out the latest facts about women in contact with the criminal justice system in E... Resetting the approach to women’s imprisonment
- April 2025 Citizens’ Panel on sentencing At the end of 2024, the Prison Reform Trust commissioned a Citizens’ Panel on sentencing in Englan... Citizens’ Panel on sentencing
- March 2025 Child Impact Assessments for children with a part in the justice system: Phase two report This report from PRT associate Sarah Beresford looks at the dissemination and implementation phase o... Child Impact Assessments for children with a part in the justice system: Phase two report
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.