Justice

This week Edwina speaks Joy Doal, CEO of Anawim, Birmingham’s Centre for Women. Anawim is an award-winning Women's Centre with over 30 years' experience. They provide support, advocacy and campaign on a local and national level. Anawim’s mission is to help women from all backgrounds and communities in and around Birmingham to get the support they deserve. They provide a tailored package of support for women through a variety of one-to-one interventions, courses, counselling and opportunities, in person at their centres as well as online. Anawim’s approach is to help women understand the impact of their trauma and begin the healing process by overcoming obstacles and learning how to move forward to a brighter future for themselves and their families.  Anawim also run Dawn House, a safe, secure and trauma-responsive residential centre for women leaving prison. With support from The Jabbs Foundation they have recently published a report on learning from the first 5 years that can be accessed&

Please note, this episode contains descriptions of conditions in prison including suicide that some listeners may find distressing.In this week’s episode, Edwina speaks to Michael Spurr, the former Chief Executive of His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). Starting out as a Prison Officer in HMP Leeds in 1983, Michael has occupied a variety of roles in prisons and probation, including serving as Chief Executive of HMPPS from 2010-2019. In this wide-ranging conversation, Michael reflects on his 36 years working in the justice system – from the appalling conditions he witnessed in the 80’s and 90’s, to the changes that have transformed the justice system into what we recognise today. Edwina and Michael also discuss the impact of ministerial flux on those working in the justice system, and what he wants the future of HMPPS to look like.Read more about the One Small Thing charity here.Twitter - @OSTCharityThis podcast is created and produced by The London Podcast Company.  Hosted o

This week Edwina speaks to Sarah Dangar, CEO of Ahimsa. Ahimsa is a Plymouth based charity that challenges and supports perpetrators of abuse to cease their violent and abusive behaviour. They deliver one on one support and group programmes for male perpetrators of abuse, supporting their behaviour change and preventing future incidences of domestic abuse.In this episode, Sarah shares more about how Ahimsa works with individuals and families, and reflects on the opportunities and challenges of delivering this difficult work. Having a background in supporting victims and survivors of abuse, Sarah speaks about how she came to work with perpetrators, and why she believes it’s vital if we want to protect more families from the devastating effects of domestic abuse.Learn more about Ahimsa by visiting their website www.ahimsa.org.uk and follow them of Twitter @Ahimsa_charity.Read more about the One Small Thing charity here.Twitter - @OSTCharityThis podcast is created and produced by The London P

In this week’s episode Edwina explores the often unspoken impact of menopause on women’s lives. Despite the fact that 51% of the population will experience menopause, and the estimated 13 million people who are currently peri or menopausal in the UK, this topic has remained taboo. Edwina speaks to two advocates driving change in the national conversation around menopause on their experience of this transition, and what needs to change to ensure more women have access to the support they need – including those in the justice system. Edwina’s first guest is Davina McCall, renowned TV presenter and household name. As well as presenting shows such as Big Brother and The Million Pound Drop, Davina has presented documentaries exploring the Menopause. She is also the author of Menopausing, The Positive Roadmap to Your Second Spring which seeks to debunk myths, and breaks the shameful silence over the menopause. Edwina’s second guest is Carolyn Harris, MP for Swansea East who established and now c

Please note this episode contains descriptions of treatment of women in prison including sexual threat and abuse that some listeners may find distressing.Edwina speaks to Sandra Barefoot, Raushia Coles, Siobhan Jackson and Ruth Chitty from The Forgiveness Project. The Forgiveness Project works with people who have rebuilt their lives following hurt and trauma to explore what it takes to heal, restore and rehumanise. In this episode they discuss their new research on the importance of understanding the impact of shame. They explore Shame Resilience Theory (SRT) and its potential for understanding how shame affects the behaviours of women with lived experience of imprisonment. They highlight how very little research had been undertaken on the connection between shame, violence and aggression with women, especially in comparison to the wealth of research available on men. The research, funded by the Griffins Society, is based on years delivering the RESTORE programme in prisons, and with wom

Please note this episode contains discussion on domestic abuse and sexual assault.This week Edwina looks at justice through a literary lens by speaking to Harriet Still, the curator of Thomas Hardy’s Wessex exhibition. In this episode Harriet explores one of Hardy’s most famous works, Tess of the D’Urbervilles, and highlights how this novel sparked conversations around the world on violence against women, consent, and justice.   Influenced by his experience at 16 of witnessing the execution of a woman found guilty of murdering her abusive husband, Hardy brought his feelings on this injustice to the writing of Tess.  Edwina and Harriet reflect on how radical a character like Tess was in 1851 when the novel was published, and how her treatment can speak to the experiences of women today, including those in the justice system.  Hardy's Wessex, The landscapes that inspired a writer is open until 30th October. Visit the Wessex Museum’s website for more informa

In this week’s episode, Edwina focuses on the UK’s criminal record system. She speaks to two supporters of the Fair Checks campaign led by Transform Justice and Unlock, which is calling for a fresh start to the UK’s outdated criminal records system. Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin, discusses why no one should be judged by their worst moment, and the commitment of Virgin companies around the world to offering employment opportunities for those with a criminal record. As well as building Virgin from the ground up, Richard has spent his life speaking up globally about the issues he is passionate about, including ending the failed war on drugs, and abolishing the death penalty. Paula Harriott, Head of Prisoner Involvement at Prison Reform Trust then speaks from first-hand experience about the adverse impact excessive criminal record checks can have, and why she supports the Fair Checks campaign. Paula has huge insight into the impact current legislation has on the ground through her wo

This week Edwina speaks to Natasha Finlayson, Chief Executive of Working Chance. Working Chance is the UK's only employment charity solely for women with convictions. In this episode Natasha explains the support they provide to women and the impressive outcomes they achieve, including 90% of women using their employment service securing a job. Natasha also outlines recent research by Working Chance which shows just how much stigma still exists from employers towards people with past convictions, and their important work to tackle this. Working Chance also work with policymakers, politicians and employers to share knowledge about what helps women with convictions to secure employment, and to dismantle the systems and barriers that hold them back. You can find out more about Working Chance here: https://workingchance.org/ Follow Working Chance on Twitter @WorkingChanceRead more about the One Small Thing charity here.Twitter - @OSTCharityThis podcast is created and produced by 

This week Edwina speaks to Charlie Taylor, Chief Inspector of Prisons. Independent from Government, the role of Chief Inspector of Prisons reports directly to the Secretary of State for Justice on the conditions in prisons and detention centres, and the treatment of those inside them.  In this episode Charlie explains more about what his role entails, and why independence from Government is so important. He also reflects on the challenges and issues raised in his recently published annual report such as long lock up times, issues with staff recruitment and retention, and concerns for the wellbeing of women in prison. You can read Charlie’s latest Annual Report here: www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprisons/inspections/annual-report-2021-22/ You can find out more about the work of HM Inspectorate of Prisons here: www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprisons/ Follow HM Inspectorate of Prisons on Twitter @HMIPrisonsnewsRead more about the One Small Thing charity here.Twitt

Please note this episode contains discussion of traumatic births and infant mortality that some listeners may find upsetting.In this week’s episode, Edwina speaks to Naomi Delap, Director of Birth Companions, and Sam who is part of their Lived Experience Team. Birth Companions is a women’s charity dedicated to tackling inequalities and disadvantage during pregnancy, birth and early motherhood. Founded in 1996 to support pregnant women and new mothers in Holloway Prison, they’ve become experts in meeting the needs of women living in the most challenging situations in prison and in the community. In this episode Sam and Naomi shed light on the experience of pregnancy and birth in the criminal justice system, and what needs to change to improve the lives of women and babies who experience inequality and disadvantage. You can find out more about Birth Companions here: www.birthcompanions.org.ukFollow them on Twitter @BrthCompanionsRead more about the One Small Thing charity here.Twitter -

In this week’s episode, Edwina speaks to Sofia Buncy MBE, the pioneering Founder and Director of the multi-award-winning Muslim Women in Prison Project. Established in 2013 to document and research the experiences of Muslim women in criminal justice system, the project delivers a community-based culturally appropriate service for Muslim women returning to communities. In this episode, Sofia sheds light on the challenges these women face, and shares how her ground-breaking project is giving voice to the experiences of Muslim women in the criminal justice system. Follow Sofia and the work of the Muslim Women in Prison Project on Twitter @MWIPproject See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this week’s episode, Edwina speaks to Sarah Beresford, Prison Reform Trust Associate and Churchill Fellow. Sarah is also the author of ‘What about me?’, a report which explores how children’s lives are impacted when their mothers are involved in the criminal justice system. In this episode Sarah describes how children are so often invisible to decisionmakers, and explains how her recently developed Child Impact Assessment can equip adults and services to listen more closely to the needs of those with mothers in the criminal justice system. You can read more about why Sarah feels Child Impact Assessments are so important in this blog, and there is further information about Sarah’s project here. Follow the Prison Reform Trust on Twitter @PRTuk and the Churchill Fellowship @ChurchillFship.Read more about the One Small Thing charity here.Twitter - @OSTCharityThis podcast is created and produced by The London Podcast Company.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out info

In this week’s Justice episode, Edwina speaks to Professor Taj Nathan, a consultant forensic psychiatrist for the NHS. He holds honorary academic posts at the University of Liverpool, University of Chester and Liverpool John Moores University, and provides independent expert opinion to courts in England and Wales. Taj is also the author of Dangerous Minds: A Forensic Psychiatrist's Quest to Understand Violence. Taking us from secure hospital wards to high-security prisons to courtrooms, Dangerous Minds offers compelling and deeply compassionate accounts of ten people whose lives have been shaped by violence, and asks its readers to re-evaluate all that they think they know about the people society deems most dangerous. In this episode, Taj discusses the origins of his book, and sheds light on the complexity of working in the field of forensic psychiatry.  To learn more about the work of Professor Taj Nathan:www1.chester.ac.uk/departments/chester-medical-school/staff/taj-nathanTo

In this episode Edwina speaks to Hannah Shead, the CEO of Trevi. Operating since 1993, Trevi is an award-winning women’s charity in Devon. Their mission is to provide safe and nurturing spaces where women in recovery can heal, grow and thrive. Set up to support women experiencing alcohol and drug misuse issues and their children, Trevi runs the only UK residential rehabilitation centre exclusively for mothers and their children. In the 27 years they have been operating, they have helped transform the lives of thousands of women and their children. Hannah discusses Trevi’s beginnings, and shares how the charity has continued to develop to meet the needs of women in their community. To learn more about the work of Trevi:www.trevi.org.ukFollow on Twitter: @TreviWomenRead more about the One Small Thing charity here.Twitter - @OSTCharityThis podcast is created and produced by The London Podcast Company.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode I speak to Peter Sullivan from the organisation Chess in Schools and Communities who facilitates chess clubs in Wandsworth prison and has recently been expanding this to the women’s prison estate.Peter also trained and organised the England team that participated in the World Prison Chess Championship. 43 teams from 31 countries took part in the competition and England scored a huge 19/20 in the preliminaries and finished 7th in the final stages, read more here.Peter discusses how chess can be a therapeutic activity, create a calm environment and bring staff and residents together. To learn more about the work of the Chess in Schools and Communities see: https://www.chessinschools.co.uk/Follow on Twitter: @schoolschessRead more about the One Small Thing charity here.Twitter - @OSTCharityThis podcast is created and produced by The London Podcast Company.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Please note this episode contains discussion on domestic abuse, including fatal domestic abuse, that some listeners may find distressing.In this episode Edwina speaks to Nicole Jacobs, the first Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales. Nicole explains her statutory powers, as set out in the Domestic Abuse Bill, to raise public awareness and hold both agencies and government to account in tackling domestic abuse. Listen to Nicole describe her important work to shine a light on good practice and the practices that fall short, to end the postcode lottery of domestic abuse services in England and Wales. Nicole outlines a range of initiatives she is working on with her team, including improving the response of Family Courtsto Domestic Abuse. To learn more about the work of the Domestic Abuse Commissioner see: https://domesticabusecommissioner.uk/Follow Nicole on Twitter: @CommissionerDARead more about the One Small Thing charity here.Twitter - @OSTCharityThis podcast is crea

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion on child sexual abuse and other forms of sexual offending. In this episode Edwina speaks to Riana Taylor, CEO of Circles UK, who are the national organisation which oversees Circles of Support and Accountability (Circles), an innovative model that uses groups of volunteers in the community, working alongside criminal justice agencies to reduce sexual offending. Riana explains that a Circle of Support and Accountability is a group of trained volunteers from a local community that provides a social network to someone who has committed sexual offences or engaged in harmful sexual behaviour, whilst also requiring them to take responsibility for their own ongoing risk management. The Circle can also provide practical guidance in things such as developing social skills and finding suitable accommodation. In so doing the Circle serves to reduce the risk of reoffending associated with social exclusion and the attendant risk of harm to existing and potential

In this episode Edwina speaks to Sue McAllister, Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. Sue explains her work to carry out independent investigations that aim to make custody and community supervision safer and fairer. Sue talks about her important work, including recent high-profile reports on the deaths of babies in custody. She outlines how she has developed the work of the Ombudsman during her time in post, including a focus on increasing the impact of investigations, and making sure changes are made as a result of the work of her team. Follow Sue McAllister and the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman on twitter: @sue1mcallister @PPOmbudsmanRead more about the One Small Thing charity here.Twitter - @OSTCharityThis podcast is created and produced by The London Podcast Company.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode Edwina speaks to Pavan Dhaliwal CEO of Revolving Doors Agency who work to end the revolving door of crisis and crime. The organisation creates and shares research, influences policy and evaluates services, making sure the voices of those with lived experience are central to their work. Pavan explains their belief that justice system reform cannot be achieved without the voices of those who have had direct experience of the system themselves. Examples discussed in the podcast include their New Generation Campaigners - young people who designed and led their own campaign called ‘Divert don’t arrest’ calling for police reform. Follow Revolving Doors Agency on Twitter: @RevDoorsRead more about the One Small Thing charity here.Twitter - @OSTCharityThis podcast is created and produced by The London Podcast Company.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode Edwina speaks to Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and National Lead for Victims for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners. Donna talks us through her work to hold local criminal justice partners to account and ensure delivery of Hampshire’s Policing and Crime Plan. Donna outlines important areas of her work including tacking Violence against Women and Girls and crime prevention work with children and young people. Follow Donna Jones on Twitter: @HantsPCC @DonnaJonesPCCRead more about the One Small Thing charity here.Twitter - @OSTCharityThis podcast is created and produced by The London Podcast Company.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.