Event recording – watch it back: National Year of Reading 26: Every story starts here – and continues with us 

Sarah Mcknight

Deputy Director of Employment, Skills and Education

HMPPS

On 16 June, we brought together colleagues and partners from across the justice system to talk about the power of reading in justice settings. 

Ahead of the event, I set out why this matters: too many people enter prison with low levels of literacy, and improving reading is closely linked to better outcomes on release, including reduced reoffending. 

The breadth of experience in the room stood out, as we heard from colleagues across prisons and probation, alongside academic experts, library services, sector partners and those with lived experience. Across these perspectives, we heard the shared view that reading is critical to support engagement with services, help people stay connected to family, and create space for reflection, change and wellbeing. 

We also heard clearly that this is a whole-system challenge. As people move between prisons, probation and other services, it is essential that the support remains in place to deliver meaningful impact.  

The opportunity is now to build on this. Wherever you are, please join me in this National Year of Reading to build on the exceptional work of those we heard from at this event to champion the role of reading in improving outcomes for those in the justice system.   

Watch the event recording for ideas and inspiration on how you can:  

• embed reading into organisational priorities  

• strengthen cross‑sector collaboration between prison, probation, healthcare and other partners    

• champion a culture that values reading using the National Year of Reading to unlock momentum, resources and partnership activity sector‑wide   

Event recording

Presenter slides

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