The Prison Reform Trust (PRT) is an independent UK charity working to create a just, humane and effective penal system. We were founded in 1981 to inform and influence public debate on prison conditions and the treatment of prisoners, amidst concerns about a projected prison population of 48,000 by 1984. With the prison population in England and Wales now exceeding 82,000 and projected to rise to 86,400 by 2023, the charity remains as important to civic society today as it was then. PRT's main objectives are: 1.reducing unnecessary imprisonment and promoting community solutions to crime 2.improving treatment and conditions for prisoners and their families 3.promoting equality and human rights in the justice system. We do this by inquiring into the workings of the system; informing prisoners, staff and the wider public; and by influencing Parliament, government and officials towards reform. While often working alongside the prison service to effect reform and maintaining close links with departments including the Ministry of Justice, Treasury, Home Office, Cabinet Office, Department of Health and Department of Children, Schools and Families, to retain its independence PRT does not seek or accept government funding. The structure and rigour of programmes are agreed with those trusts and foundations that generously fund the work. PRT has a strong track record of effecting change in policy and practice.
