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
Next Generation Leaders programme empowers future prison governors to drive meaningful reform from within
Next Gen programme places aspiring prison leaders at the forefront of reform
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Presumption to suspend short sentences comes into force
People who receive short prison sentences are more likely to have their sentence suspended
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Dr Laura Janes KC (Hon) appointed PRT fellow
Laura will support the charity in advocating for change in youth justice policy
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PRT comment: Expansion of electronic monitoring
Concerns expansion may drive up already high recall numbers, increasing pressure on prisons
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PRT comment: Serious failings at HMP Woodhill and HMP Swaleside
Inspections reveal serious failings in prison safety and rehabilitation efforts
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PRT comment: HMIP report on family contact in prisons
Report shows the missed opportunities to involve families in safer, more effective rehabilitation
Our latest publications
View all- March 2026 Next Generation Leaders: The case for reform through prison leadership This report presents the Prison Reform Trust’s Next Generation Leaders programme, which empowers a... Next Generation Leaders: The case for reform through prison leadership
- February 2026 What makes a progressive regime? Experiences of progressive regimes and opportunities for improvement This report by the Building Futures Working Group at HMP Warren Hill presents findings from surveys ... What makes a progressive regime? Experiences of progressive regimes and opportunities for improvement
- February 2026 Bromley Briefings Prison Factfile: February 2026 Our flagship publication brings together the latest facts about prisons and the people in them. Bromley Briefings Prison Factfile: February 2026
- December 2025 A Measure of Hope? How purpose, meaning and fulfilment can ease the harms of long-term imprisonment This report by Kimmett Edgar, Claudia Vince and Rachel O’Brien draws on the voices of 123 peop... A Measure of Hope? How purpose, meaning and fulfilment can ease the harms 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.
