Building Futures, Thinking Long-Term: Insights on Collaborating with Those Impacted by Long-Term Imprisonment to Shape Policies That Affect Them
The Prison Reform Trust (PRT) is an independent UK charity working to create a just, humane and effective penal system.
Building Futures – PRT’s six-year programme funded by the National Lottery Community Fund – has explored the experiences of people serving long prison sentences. The programme defines its long-term cohort as men expected to spend ten or more years in prison, and women expected to serve eight years or more.
At its heart, Building Futures amplifies the voices of those living long-term imprisonment, providing space for them to advocate for themselves, highlight the human cost of ever-lengthening sentences, and influence change from within the system. Through consultation, advocacy and research, the programme has worked alongside people with direct experience of long-term imprisonment to demonstrate its true impact.
As Building Futures draws to a close, we look forward to sharing the key insights, lessons, and collaborative approaches developed throughout the programme – with contributions from those directly affected, as well as from practitioners and policymakers.
University of Manchester Collaboration
This event is proudly supported by the University of Manchester, whose academics have policy and research priorities closely aligns with the Building Futures programme. Dr Marion Vannier and Professor David Gadd have been instrumental allies, contributing their expertise in criminology and social justice. Their expertise and knowledge have been central to a lot of our thinking.
Why Attend
- Hear from people with lived experience of long-term imprisonment
- Learn about progression, parole, and post-release challenges
- Watch the Rye Hill Parole Film screening
- Join strategic discussions on penal reform
- Connect with professionals and academics committed to justice reform
Who Should Attend
- Criminal justice professionals and policymakers
- Academics and researchers in criminology, law, and social sciences
- Students interested in justice reform and human rights
- Charity and third-sector workers supporting prison populations
- Anyone passionate about creating a fairer, more humane penal system
You can find the full agenda for the event below.
09:00 – 09:30 – Arrival, Registration & Coffee
09:30 – 09:45 – Welcome & Opening Remarks
09:45 – 11:00 – Panel 1: Understanding the Long-Term Population.
11:00 – 11:15 – Coffee Break
11:15 – 12:30 – Panel 2: Progression
12:30 – 13:30 – Lunch
13:30 – 14:30 – Screening: Rye Hill Parole Film
14:30 – 15:45 - Panel 3: Families and Post-Release
15:45 – 16:00 – Coffee Break
16:00 – 16:45 – Discussion: Long-term Strategy
16:45 – 17:00 – Closing Reflections & Next Steps
Travel and Contact Information
Find event
Dalton Room
Core Technology Facility
Manchester
