The Howard League for Penal Reform

The Howard League for Penal Reform is the oldest penal reform charity in the UK. It was established in 1866 and is named after John Howard, one of the first prison reformers. The Howard League for Penal Reform is entirely independent of government and works for a safer society where fewer people are victims of crime. It believes that offenders must make amends for what they have done and change their lives, and that community sentences make a person take responsibility and live a law–abiding life in the community.

The Howard League for Penal Reform campaigns vigorously for change in the UK’s penal system. Their work focuses on children in prison, community sentences, real work opportunities in prison, suicide and self–injury, and prison overcrowding.