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Criminal justiceOffender management and rehabilitation

Season 2, Episode 3: Foreign nationals in UK prisons

Header image for the Catch22 Minutes podcast which reads "Season 2: Justice"

In the Catch22Minutes podcast, we delve into some of today’s major social challenges. We speak to frontline experts, industry leaders and young people, in pursuit of ideas for reforming public services.

The second season focused on the UK’s justice sector and was presented by Catch22’s former Communications and Marketing Manager, Josie Cochrane. From developing restorative justice to reducing the impact of court delays, this series was focused on solutions which could impact every aspect of the justice sector.

Foreign Nationals make up 11% of the total prison population in the UK.

HMP Wandsworth is known for having a significant Foreign National population, so much so that in 2021 they mobilised a Foreign National Service, now delivered by Catch22. But in most prisons, there is no specific support for these individuals, despite their needs being quite unique. At risk of deportation, they often need support relating to their immigration status, how they might contact family, or understanding their rights as a prisoner – rights which they are very much entitled to.

In today’s episode, we are discussing the challenges UK prisons face with Foreign National offenders, the impact these challenges have on individuals themselves, and how the justice system can address both. Offering insight from inside the justice system, we are joined by Geoff Smith, Director at BEST, the Befriending and Support Team for Foreign Nationals, and Naomi McGrath, Senior Operations Manager in Catch22’s Justice Hub.


Our panellists

Geoff Smith

Naomi McGrath