Talk is cheap. Our councils are about change. Change for the people on them and change from the people in the systems they are in.
We have developed a tried-and-tested council model that’s used in prisons and in the community: for probation, youth offending teams and other services that serve people in the criminal justice system.
It’s a chance for everyone on the wing or on licence to have their say with ideas and solutions.
If people with convictions are motivated to give feedback on their experience of services, it fuels a culture of continuous improvement within criminal justice. The opportunity to use your own experience is a way to grow peoples’ confidence, skills, and sense of accountability for their actions – the start of a process of rehabilitation.
“My wing is much more peaceful thanks to being able to inform inmates with information.”
The councils’ democratic process makes sure that all voices can be heard. Focusing on collective challenges and solutions we can give practitioners and policy-makers a route to effective and lasting change.
Our councils work because they are both independent and facilitated.
Our councils are staffed by people in prison and on probation and heard by the governors and commissioners. This process is a crucial step in breaking down the damaging ‘Them’ versus ‘Us’ culture identified by founder Mark Johnson. “
VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE BECOME PAID MEMBERS OF STAFF
COUNCILS IN PRISONS, CRCs & NPS
PEOPLE CURRENTLY ON OUR COUNCILS
Get involved. Use your Experience.
Having a council can improve key outcomes for prisons:
70% Reduction
37% Lower
(*pilot in 3 prisons)
Councils give people the opportunity to share ideas and find solutions that target specific issues:
Food complaints dropped from 400 to 3 after one simple idea from the council.
One council was able to secure 24hr phone access from within cells to stay in touch with family and friends.
“I now feel like I have made an impact and will continue to make a difference, like I have given something back and am changing the lives of others who have been in my situation and who are struggling to see past their conviction or sentence.”
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