BNU collaborates with Prison Reform Trust to host conference in November
In November, Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) will host a prison reform conference in collaboration with the Prison Reform Trust, an independent UK charity that aims to create a humane and effective penal system.
The conference, , is taking place in the wake of a new government and new appointment of Lord James Timpson as Minister for Prisons and Probation, and the early release scheme of up to 1700 prisoners in a bid to ease the overcrowding issues facing many prisons in the UK.
Organised by Nicola Mallowan, Senior Lecturer and Course Lead at BNU and previous Probation Services Officer, the event will bring together a collective mind of ways to improve, help, and target interventions for rehabilitation, with a line-up of 10 keynote speakers from industry. Speakers include Pia Sinha (Director of the Prison Reform Trust) and Dr Sarah Lewis (Director of Penal Reform Solutions), as well as ‘expert by experience’ speakers including Toseef Khan and Tassie Ghilani (National Lived Experience Lead/s at His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service).
Speaking on the conference and why its important, Nicola said:
"It is an honour to be able to present the conference collaboratively with the Prison Reform Trust, a charity organisation that has worked tirelessly to influence decision-makers and the public of the need to improve prison conditions and promote equality and human rights within the criminal justice system. We have a phenomenal line-up of guests and keynote speakers, from BNU students and staff in industry to local agencies, charities, and social enterprises. It is incredibly important to raise public awareness of the prison crisis that we are facing in the UK, the psychological impact of prisonisation, the impact of punitive prison sentences and discuss the best possible interventions and solutions to facilitate reform."
The day will follow four themes, The Need to Raise Awareness, Who is in our prisons?, Hope and Meaning, and Moving on, with each session finishing with a panel and Q&A. Attendees will be able to circulate exhibition stands and research poster presentations between sessions, providing guests with an opportunity to network, collaborate and share ideas.
The conference will take place on Tuesday 5 November 2024 with registration starting at 8:45am before the day concludes at 5pm.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided on the day. If you have any requirements (dietary or otherwise) please contact Katrina.heath@bucks.ac.uk. If you know of a charity or service who would like to have an exhibition stand, please contact david.adlington-rivers@bucks.ac.uk.
If you would like to attend, please purchase your ticket . Tickets are £10 + £1.55 booking fee with half the price of a ticket being donated to Prison Reform Trust.