Reading for Redemption: Comparative Research of the Brazilian Reading for Remission Model

About this opportunity

Summary This grant will fund a comparative research project examining the Brazilian Reading for Remission model and exploring whether elements could inform future Reading for Redemption policy development in England and Wales. Expected Structure of Activities Successful applicants will conduct: Scoping exercise of international and domestic evidence relating to reading-based interventions, prison education and rehabilitation approaches. Comparative review of the Brazilian Reading for Remission model, prison education approaches in England and Wales, and other relevant international education and rehabilitation programmes. Stakeholder engagement and expert consultation. Please note if applicants decide to gather data from HMPPS, this will require National Research Committee (NRC) approval. Comparative assessment against Reading for Redemption. Analysis of applicability within HMPPS. Recommendations for future implementation. Requirements for Service Providers Applicants must demonstrate: Experience of delivering comparable educational, rehabilitation or research programmes. Appropriate governance and safeguarding arrangements. Capacity to deliver high-quality research, evidence synthesis and policy analysis. Ability to deliver monitoring and evaluation requirements. Intended Outcomes Reading for Redemption is a reading-based educational intervention which uses literature, reflective discussion and guided critical analysis to support engagement, critical thinking and personal development. The ultimate aim of this research is to strengthen the evidence base regarding the contribution that reading and education can make to rehabilitation and desistance from crime. The successful applicant will be expected to produce an evidence-based policy paper identifying lessons from international and domestic practice and setting out recommendations for future policy development within HMPPS. The research piece will expect grant recipients to demonstrate: Improved understanding of international best practice, including the Brazilian Reading for Remission model. Improved understanding of the role of prison education and reading-based interventions in supporting rehabilitation and desistance from crime. Improved evidence base for future investment and policy decisions. Assessment of the applicability of international models within England and Wales. Consideration of learning from Reading for Redemption pilot activity and wider prison education initiatives. Evidence to support future rollout decisions. Practical recommendations for future Reading for Redemption policy development within HMPPS. An evidence-based policy paper setting out how reading and education can contribute to rehabilitation outcomes and future service design. Benefits for HMPPS and MoJ Improved evidence base. Better informed policy decisions. Reduced risk in future programme development. Understanding of opportunities for scaling Reading for Redemption Research Expectations Applicants should demonstrate how they will: Assess the evidence base underpinning the Brazilian Reading for Remission model. Review current prison education practice in England and Wales. Examine relevant international education and rehabilitation programmes that support desistance from crime. Consider emerging learning from Reading for Redemption activity across Durham and up to three additional pilot sites. Identify effective education strategies for engaging people in prison who are less likely to engage with existing provision. Assess the transferability of international approaches to England and Wales. Produce practical policy recommendations and identify options for future development and scale-up. Deliver an evidence-based policy paper setting out findings and recommendations for HMPPS. Delivery Window The grant scheme will support delivery during FY 2026/27, with activity continuing through to January 2028 and an end of year report due by April 2028. This is a time-limited grant programme funded through the MoJ Spend to Save Innovation Fund and is intended to support activity during the specified delivery period only. Funding Available The total grant fund available is £15,000, comprising one grant award. The grant amount will be paid in advance, subject to satisfactory completion of due diligence requirements and execution of a Grant Funding Agreement. This is a time-limited grant programme funded through the MoJ Spend to Save Innovation Fund and is intended to support activity during the specified delivery period only.