Policy and research
We bring together lived experience, research, and expertise to change the systems that disadvantage the women we work with.
Our policy focus
We work with policymakers, politicians and employers to share our knowledge about what helps women with convictions to secure employment, and to dismantle the systems and barriers that hold them back. Informed by lived experience and over 11 years supporting women into employment, we work to help bring about the changes that will transform the employment landscape for women with convictions.
For research requests and collaborations, please get in touch!
Driven by lived experience
Our policy work is developed in consultation with our clients, and is informed by their views and experiences. Our policy strategy is structured around a woman’s typical journey through and out of the criminal justice system.
We want to see:
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Women serving custodial sentences being provided with employability training, skills and guidance, and opportunities for employment.
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The barriers to women with convictions securing meaningful employment dismantled.
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More women diverted from the criminal justice system into women-specific services in the community.
Our latest projects
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Progress & Prejudice
Progress & Prejudice provides the most up-to-date facts and figures about employer attitudes towards hiring people with convictions, to see how much attitudes have changed and why.
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Worst-Case Scenario
Worst-Case Scenario examines how racism in the criminal justice system harms women’s chances of finding work.
Read more
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Changemakers
Changemakers is our flagship policy group of women with convictions driving the change they want to see.
Find out more
Solidarity, equality and opportunity: new publication explores how we can create a better criminal justice system for women
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Policy briefingMore employers open to hiring people with convictions, but prejudice still rife
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Policy briefingOn being a 'good woman’: Stigma, relationships and desistance’
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Policy briefingMore than a warning: Why cautions are more serious than you might think
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Policy briefing#BetterBenefits launches today
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Policy briefingA lost focus on community solutions: Our response to the Prisons Strategy White Paper