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: IPP reforms announced
Government announces reforms for people serving abolished IPP sentence in the community
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PRT comment: HMP Woodhill
Chronic staff shortages underpinning problems with drugs, violence and self-harm at HMP Woodhill
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PRT briefing on the Criminal Justice Bill
PRT has prepared a briefing to assist MPs on the second reading of the Criminal Justice Bill.
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PRT comment: A Review of Health and Social Care in Women’s Prisons
We welcome publication of the review, but success must be measured by the impact on women in prison.
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The disproportionate use of PAVA spray in prisons has become “normalised”
New briefing casts doubt on the legality of the use of PAVA spray in prisons
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Prison inspectors issue second urgent notification for HMP Bedford
Many problems are symptomatic of a wider crisis of staff retention, capacity and underinvestment
Our latest publications
View all- November 2023 Equality incapacitated: the disproportionate impact of PAVA spray on Black, Muslim and disabled prisoners The use of force in prison is only justifiable if it is legal, proportionate in the circumstances, r... Equality incapacitated: the disproportionate impact of PAVA spray on Black, Muslim and disabled prisoners
- September 2023 Report and accounts 2022–23 The trustees are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements of the Priso... Report and accounts 2022–23
- July 2023 Locked In? Achieving penal change in the context of crisis and scandal Moments of crisis and scandal are an ever-present feature of the political cycle and the decisions t... Locked In? Achieving penal change in the context of crisis and scandal
- June 2023 Prison: the facts—Summer 2023 Prison: the facts is our shorter summary of prisons in England and Wales and the people in them. Prison: the facts—Summer 2023
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.
