The Howard League for Penal Reform

The Howard League for Penal Reform

Charity information

The Howard League for Penal Reform

The Howard League for Penal Reform works for Less crime, Safer communities and Fewer people in prison.
We campaign for real and lasting change in the penal system through our research, legal and policy work.

Founded 1866

  • Mission statement

    The Howard League for Penal Reform is the oldest and most influential penal reform charity in the world. The Howard League for Penal Reform is independent of government and is funded by voluntary donations.


    The Howard League for Penal Reform achieves principled and radical change through:
    • Inquiry, investigation and monitoring
    • Exchange of ideas and provision of education
    • Legal intervention on behalf of young people
    • Demonstration projects inside prisons
    • Parliamentary and government relations
    • Multi-media, publications and campaigns
    • Links with international bodies, voluntary and statutory agencies
    • Holding the Government to account for the way people are treated in the penal and prison systems

  • Aims

    The Howard League for Penal Reform aims to:

    • Less crime, safer communities and fewer people in prison
  • Overview

    Established: January 1866

    Registered Charity Number: 251926

    Full time staff: 15

    Part time staff: 6

    Volunteers: 5

    Phone number: 020 7249 7373

    Address: 1 Ardleigh RoadLondon N1 4HS

    View charity accounts on the Charity Commission website

  • Community Programmes Awards

    This is the Howard League for Penal Reform award for the country's most successful communi... More