Knowledge Exchange
Regular readers will be aware remember that in 2021 the Butler Trust launched a new resource aimed at everyone who works in a criminal justice setting. The Knowledge Exchange is an online library of guidance and examples of best practice. The resource encourages users to suggest examples of best practice and guidance and allows users to search content by both source and sector. There are now over 600 resources instantly available for download. The resource is continuously curated and updated with any items which have now been superseded removed. I work in partnership with the Butler Trust to manage and update the site.
How to use the site
The site has been designed to be simple to use. The front page includes both featured entries and recent additions but the two most useful ways of finding what you are looking for are the search box at the top of the page or the ability to browse by source, sector (custodial, probation or youth justice) or a wide range of themes (e.g. women, neurodiversity, knife crime, mental health…).
Recent additions
To give you a flavour of the resources are on offer, I am including links to some of the more recent additions on a wide range of topics.
Prisons
An interesting article from the Prison Service Journal on Supporting autistic people and people with learning disabilities in prison
The article presents an overview of an evaluation of the support services for autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities in prisons and outlines the development of a universal care pathway across the criminal justice system. The findings highlighted inconsistent screening practices, a need for more staff training, and gaps in support services. Four core recommendations were made: developing a universal care pathway, enhancing staff training, improving information sharing, and increasing resources.
The second part of the article details the development of the universal care pathway by REACH Out, commissioned by NHS England which covers police, courts, prison custody, secure hospitals, and community release, but demonstrates how the pathways linked together for continuity of care. Key themes included effective communication, appropriate support, clear processes, adequate resources, and supportive environments.
The Prison Inspectors look at work and training in adult prisons in 2025 Just passing time’: A review of work and training provision in adult prisons
Probation
A new Research & Analysis bulletin from HMI Probation on Embracing the views and perspectives of those with lived experience
Also from the Inspectorate an interesting holistic approach for working with people on probation labelled “The Compass Model”
Youth justice
An example from Manchester of a high-quality, creative music and art-making activities to children engaged with the YJS: the Rhythm and Renewal Youth Justice Music and Art Programme
Another new creative resource from the Isle of Wight is the Court Cells Art Project which aims to transform court cells into more calming setting through co-designed artwork. This is a fascinating project.
Children were invited to participate in a Dragon’s Den-style selection process where they reviewed proposals from four professional artists and jointly chose which they felt most inspired by.
The weekly design sessions formed part of the Isle of Wight YJS summer offer, providing a structured, creative outlet for children during the holiday period. These sessions not only supported artistic development but also promoted emotional wellbeing, teamwork, and communication skills.
Working closely with their selected artist, the children co-designed the artwork for the cell walls. They then named the project ‘Windows to Wellness’. This was a reflection of their desire to bring light, nature, and imagination into a space that lacks windows and comfort. We reproduce one of the creations below:
