Skip Content

Transform Prisons

As well as campaigning for fewer people in prison, the Howard League also campaigns to transform prisons for those who would remain behind bars.

As well as campaigning for fewer people in prisons, the Howard League also campaigns for justice and fairness in prisons.

Prisons should be places of justice. As the most drastic expression of the criminal justice system, they should meet the highest standards of justice. If they do not meet high standards of fairness, how can we expect them to foster law-abiding citizens? Just and fair prisons have a ripple effect that improves outcomes for prison officers, our communities and our country.

Here you can learn about the Howard League’s work on justice and fairness in prisons. Read our first briefing on justice and fairness in prisons and for more background look at our previous briefings on the rising tide of punishment in prisons. Follow our Justice and Fairness blog for regular updates and more in-depth exploration of issues around fairness in prisons. Explore our regular monitoring of prison overcrowding and learn about past initiatives such as our Centre of Excellence on real work in prison and our Commission on sex in prison.

As well as the links on this page, you can find our reactions to the latest prison inspections in News & Views, read our latest Briefings and Submissions and browse reports on relevant topics in Publications.

87,699 people in prison in England and Wales

There are 87,699 people in prisons and young offender institutions in England and Wales. Sensible steps to reduce this number would make communities safer, by easing pressure on the system and enabling more people in trouble to get the support they need to move on from crime.

View prison overcrowding →

  • Join the Howard League

    We are the world's oldest prison charity, bringing people together to advocate for change.

    Join us and make your voice heard
  • Support our work

    We safeguard our independence and do not accept any funding from government.

    Make a donation