Keywords

Independent Monitoring Board, prison reform, criminology, Faith Spear, criminal justice, prison advocacy, emotional toll, monitoring prisons, recommendations, prison conditions

Summary

In this conversation, Faith Spear, a criminologist and former chair of the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB), shares her experiences and insights into the role of the IMB in monitoring prisons. She discusses the challenges faced by IMB members, the emotional toll of the work, and the need for reform within the prison system. Faith reflects on her journey to the IMB, the expectations versus reality of the role, and the impact of her whistleblowing article that led to her suspension. Despite the challenges, she remains passionate about prison reform and continues to advocate for change.

takeaways

The IMB is a statutory body that monitors prisons.

Members of the IMB have 24/7 access to prisons but face challenges in independence.

Faith's background in the voluntary sector influenced her path to the IMB.

Expectations of the IMB role can differ significantly from reality.

The IMB is funded by the Ministry of Justice, affecting its perceived independence.

Building trust with prisoners is a significant challenge for IMB members.

The emotional toll of working in prisons can be substantial.

Support and camaraderie among IMB members can be lacking.

Faith's whistleblowing article raised important issues but led to her suspension.

Faith continues to advocate for prison reform through her blog and public speaking.

Faith Spear FRSA is a prison reform advocate best known for her integrity and as

staunch critic of this country’s prison system.

Until January 2017, Faith served as Chair of the Independent Monitoring Board

(IMB) at HMP/YOI Hollesley Bay.

She authored a groundbreaking article published in The Prisons Handbook 2016

speaking out against wrongdoings, injustice, and unfairness in prisons and

highlighted issues such as the deficiency in purposeful activity, poor prison

conditions and lack of independent prison monitoring.

As a result, Faith was controversially suspended from her role by the Prisons

Minister, Andrew Selous MP, bullied and ostracised by her local IMB board and

unsupported by the IMB Secretariat, faced two investigations and a disciplinary

hearing at Ministry of Justice HQ. Dismissed from her role in January 2017 by the

second Prisons Minister, Sam Gyimah and banned from the IMB for 5 years.

Undeterred, Faith has developed a reputation for her courageous and outspoken

stance on prison-related issues. Known for challenging the status quo and

addressing systemic failures within the prison system.

Her work has earned her respect among her peers and recognition as a leading

voice in the ongoing efforts to reform the UK’s prisons.

Topics of Faith’s blogs have proven consistently correct, evidenced by the crisis in

our prisons, unprecedented overcrowding, critical understaffing, places of violence

and devoid of any meaningful rehabilitative outcomes.

Follow Faith on X/Twitter: @fmspear

Bluesky: @faithspear.bsky.social

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-spear-frsa-818a53149/

Blog: www.thecriminaljusticeblog.com

Keywords

Independent Monitoring Board, prison reform, criminology, Faith Spear, criminal justice, prison advocacy, emotional toll, monitoring prisons, recommendations, prison conditions

Summary

In this conversation, Faith Spear, a criminologist and former chair of the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB), shares her experiences and insights into the role of the IMB in monitoring prisons. She discusses the challenges faced by IMB members, the emotional toll of the work, and the need for reform within the prison system. Faith reflects on her journey to the IMB, the expectations versus reality of the role, and the impact of her whistleblowing article that led to her suspension. Despite the challenges, she remains passionate about prison reform and continues to advocate for change.

takeaways

The IMB is a statutory body that monitors prisons.

Members of the IMB have 24/7 access to prisons but face challenges in independence.

Faith's background in the voluntary sector influenced her path to the IMB.

Expectations of the IMB role can differ significantly from reality.

The IMB is funded by the Ministry of Justice, affecting its perceived independence.

Building trust with prisoners is a significant challenge for IMB members.

The emotional toll of working in prisons can be substantial.

Support and camaraderie among IMB members can be lacking.

Faith's whistleblowing article raised important issues but led to her suspension.

Faith continues to advocate for prison reform through her blog and public speaking.

Faith Spear FRSA is a prison reform advocate best known for her integrity and as

staunch critic of this country’s prison system.

Until January 2017, Faith served as Chair of the Independent Monitoring Board

(IMB) at HMP/YOI Hollesley Bay.

She authored a groundbreaking article published in The Prisons Handbook 2016

speaking out against wrongdoings, injustice, and unfairness in prisons and

highlighted issues such as the deficiency in purposeful activity, poor prison

conditions and lack of independent prison monitoring.

As a result, Faith was controversially suspended from her role by the Prisons

Minister, Andrew Selous MP, bullied and ostracised by her local IMB board and

unsupported by the IMB Secretariat, faced two investigations and a disciplinary

hearing at Ministry of Justice HQ. Dismissed from her role in January 2017 by the

second Prisons Minister, Sam Gyimah and banned from the IMB for 5 years.

Undeterred, Faith has developed a reputation for her courageous and outspoken

stance on prison-related issues. Known for challenging the status quo and

addressing systemic failures within the prison system.

Her work has earned her respect among her peers and recognition as a leading

voice in the ongoing efforts to reform the UK’s prisons.

Topics of Faith’s blogs have proven consistently correct, evidenced by the crisis in

our prisons, unprecedented overcrowding, critical understaffing, places of violence

and devoid of any meaningful rehabilitative outcomes.

Follow Faith on X/Twitter: @fmspear

Bluesky: @faithspear.bsky.social

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-spear-frsa-818a53149/

Blog: www.thecriminaljusticeblog.com

• The Menendez brothers were convicted in 1993 for murdering their parents.
• Media portrayal significantly influenced public perception of the case.
• Underlying motives for murder often stem from deep psychological trauma.
• Family dynamics can complicate perceptions of abuse and victimhood.
• The legal proceedings were marked by significant public and media scrutiny.
• The role of the mother in the abuse narrative is complex and often overlooked.
• Public perception can be swayed by sensationalized media coverage.
• The concept of a 'fixed' trial raises questions about justice and fairness.
• Understanding trauma is crucial in analyzing violent behavior.
• Photos and media representations can distort the reality of personal experiences.

• The Menendez brothers were convicted in 1993 for murdering their parents.
• Media portrayal significantly influenced public perception of the case.
• Underlying motives for murder often stem from deep psychological trauma.
• Family dynamics can complicate perceptions of abuse and victimhood.
• The legal proceedings were marked by significant public and media scrutiny.
• The role of the mother in the abuse narrative is complex and often overlooked.
• Public perception can be swayed by sensationalized media coverage.
• The concept of a 'fixed' trial raises questions about justice and fairness.
• Understanding trauma is crucial in analyzing violent behavior.
• Photos and media representations can distort the reality of personal experiences.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, hosts David Jones and Naomi Murphy meet with Ariella Steinhorn, a writer and media entrepreneur whose work focuses on relationship dynamics and the abuse of power. Ariella shares her journey from founding the whistleblower platform Lioness to her current project, Nonlinear Love, which explores the complexities of dating, relationships, and breakups. The conversation delves into the impact of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) on personal narratives, the importance of storytelling, and how joy can be found amidst challenging work.

Key Topics Discussed:- The concept of Nonlinear Love and its mission to share diverse stories about relationships without oversimplifying them. - Ariella's background in working with whistleblowers and the significance of giving a voice to those silenced by NDAs. - The challenges of monetizing storytelling platforms and the evolution of Ariella's projects. - The role of joy and self-care in navigating heavy topics related to power dynamics and personal experiences. - Insights into the differences in perspectives between individuals in relationships and how those perspectives shape their narratives.

Bio: Ariella Steinhorn is a writer and media entrepreneur whose work focuses on relationship dynamics and the abuse of power. She founded the whistleblower platform Lioness and currently runs a storytelling company called Superposition. Her personal writing has been featured in prominent publications such as the New York Times, Slate, and Business Insider.

https://www.nonlinearlove.com/about

Episode Summary:

In this episode, hosts David Jones and Naomi Murphy meet with Ariella Steinhorn, a writer and media entrepreneur whose work focuses on relationship dynamics and the abuse of power. Ariella shares her journey from founding the whistleblower platform Lioness to her current project, Nonlinear Love, which explores the complexities of dating, relationships, and breakups. The conversation delves into the impact of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) on personal narratives, the importance of storytelling, and how joy can be found amidst challenging work.

Key Topics Discussed:- The concept of Nonlinear Love and its mission to share diverse stories about relationships without oversimplifying them. - Ariella's background in working with whistleblowers and the significance of giving a voice to those silenced by NDAs. - The challenges of monetizing storytelling platforms and the evolution of Ariella's projects. - The role of joy and self-care in navigating heavy topics related to power dynamics and personal experiences. - Insights into the differences in perspectives between individuals in relationships and how those perspectives shape their narratives.

Bio: Ariella Steinhorn is a writer and media entrepreneur whose work focuses on relationship dynamics and the abuse of power. She founded the whistleblower platform Lioness and currently runs a storytelling company called Superposition. Her personal writing has been featured in prominent publications such as the New York Times, Slate, and Business Insider.

https://www.nonlinearlove.com/about

In this episode, Naomi Murphy and David Jones sit down with Gemma Applegarth, an expert in mindfulness and running, to explore the fascinating intersection of these two practices. Gemma shares her insights on what mindfulness truly is, dispels common myths, and discusses how it can enhance our running experience. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, this episode offers valuable tips on incorporating mindfulness into your routine for improved well-being.

https://www.activemindfulness.org.uk/

Key Topics Discussed

1. What is Mindfulness?- Definition and core principles of mindfulness. - The importance of being present in the moment.

2. Myths About Mindfulness:- Common misconceptions that may prevent people from practicing mindfulness. - Clarifying what mindfulness is and what it is not.

3. Mindfulness in Practice:- Examples of mindfulness techniques and exercises. - Addressing the misconception that mindfulness requires sitting cross-legged.

4. Evidence Base for Mindfulness: - Overview of research supporting the benefits of mindfulness. - Discussion of studies that highlight its effectiveness.

5. Conditions Benefited by Mindfulness: - Various mental and physical health conditions that mindfulness can help alleviate.

6. Mindfulness and Running: - Gemma's personal journey of discovering how mindfulness complements running. - The benefits of combining these two practices.

7. Mindful Running in the NHS: - Gemma's work with the NHS and how she integrates mindful running into her practice. - Success stories and feedback from participants.

8. Getting Started with Mindful Running:- Tips for beginners who want to incorporate mindfulness into their running routine. - Addressing the challenges faced by new mindful runners.

In this episode, Naomi Murphy and David Jones sit down with Gemma Applegarth, an expert in mindfulness and running, to explore the fascinating intersection of these two practices. Gemma shares her insights on what mindfulness truly is, dispels common myths, and discusses how it can enhance our running experience. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, this episode offers valuable tips on incorporating mindfulness into your routine for improved well-being.

https://www.activemindfulness.org.uk/

Key Topics Discussed

1. What is Mindfulness?- Definition and core principles of mindfulness. - The importance of being present in the moment.

2. Myths About Mindfulness:- Common misconceptions that may prevent people from practicing mindfulness. - Clarifying what mindfulness is and what it is not.

3. Mindfulness in Practice:- Examples of mindfulness techniques and exercises. - Addressing the misconception that mindfulness requires sitting cross-legged.

4. Evidence Base for Mindfulness: - Overview of research supporting the benefits of mindfulness. - Discussion of studies that highlight its effectiveness.

5. Conditions Benefited by Mindfulness: - Various mental and physical health conditions that mindfulness can help alleviate.

6. Mindfulness and Running: - Gemma's personal journey of discovering how mindfulness complements running. - The benefits of combining these two practices.

7. Mindful Running in the NHS: - Gemma's work with the NHS and how she integrates mindful running into her practice. - Success stories and feedback from participants.

8. Getting Started with Mindful Running:- Tips for beginners who want to incorporate mindfulness into their running routine. - Addressing the challenges faced by new mindful runners.