This qualitative evaluation by Sheffield Hallam University was designed to:

• map the activities of the Writers in Prison Network (WIPN)
• identify the barriers and facilitators to effective delivery of the programme
• identify effective practice
• assess the impact of the programme on prisoners, writers and prison staff
• assess the effectiveness of the engagement of WIPN with key stakeholder groups: writers, prison staff and funders
• make recommendations to inform the future operation and strategic direction of WIPN.

It looks at the challenges, benefits, administration and outlines development potential and recommendations.

The Writers in Prison Network puts writers and creative artists into prisons to deliver creative writing, drama, video, music, oral storytelling, journalism, creative reading and publishing programmes. They aim to work with all levels of ability, from below level one literacy to beyond PhD, inspiring and engaging all members of the prison population - at any time there are between 10 -16 writers in residence working in UK prisons.