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 a national charity (registered charity No. 251926) working for less crime, safer communities and fewer people in prison.
We work with parliament and the media, with criminal justice professionals, students and members of the public, influencing debate and forcing through meaningful change to create safer communities.
We campaign on a wide range of issues. Recent programmes have focused on transforming prisons, reducing child arrests, promoting real work in custody, and ending the criminalisation of children in residential care.
We use our legal work to transform and shape the law for children and young people.