{"id":32,"date":"2025-10-02T16:20:20","date_gmt":"2025-10-02T15:20:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prisonersadvice.org.uk\/wordpress\/?page_id=32"},"modified":"2025-12-22T09:56:00","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T09:56:00","slug":"our-history","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/prisonersadvice.org.uk\/wordpress\/our-history\/","title":{"rendered":"Our History"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>PAS&nbsp;is an independent charity founded in 1991 by organisations including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.liberty-human-rights.org.uk\/\">Liberty<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nacro.org.uk\/\">NACRO<\/a>, the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk\/\">Prison Reform Trust<\/a>, and the <a href=\"http:\/\/howardleague.org\/\">Howard League for Penal Reform<\/a>, to deal with the increasing demand for legal advice throughout England and Wales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Apart from PAS, no other organisation gives free, expert legal advice and representation to adult prisoners regarding Prison Law and the Prison Rules. <\/strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.prisonersadvice.org.uk\/about\/how-we-do-it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Find out what we do<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A small charity working with a most marginalised, challenging community of people, we rely upon the generosity and foresight of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.prisonersadvice.org.uk\/get-involved\/support-us\/trusts-and-foundations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">charitable Trusts and Foundations<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prisonersadvice.org.uk\/get-involved\/support-us\/individuals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">individuals<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prisonersadvice.org.uk\/get-involved\/support-us\/corporates\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">corporate donors<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">PAS timeline: key events<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2020-2022<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>PAS closes office in March 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic.\u00a0 To find out more about this period, please see our COVID response page <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prisonersadvice.org.uk\/information\/pas-covid-19-response\/\">here<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2018<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) confirms that an amending statutory instrument (SI) has been laid before parliament, extending criminal legal aid to the three areas where the court had previously ruled against the government:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pre-tariff reviews by the parole board;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Category A reviews (those whose escape would be highly dangerous);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decisions regarding placement in close supervision centre.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>As a direct result of PAS\u2019 work \u2013 alongside the Howard League for Penal Reform \u2013 to change the law, from 21 February 2018, many thousands of prisoners across England and Wales will once again be able to make use of affordable legal representation whilst they are in prison.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2017<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Ministry of Justice writes to the Supreme Court withdrawing its application to challenge the Court of Appeal\u2019s decision, rendering that decision final. PAS and the Howard League for Penal Reform write to the Lord Chancellor asking for immediate action to give effect to the judgment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Ministry of Justice appeals against the Court of Appeal ruling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Court of Appeal rules in favour of the Howard League for Penal Reform and Prisoners\u2019 Advice Service (PAS), stating that the cuts to legal aid for prisoners are unlawful because they are inherently unfair.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2015<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Court of Appeal allows PAS and Howard League for Penal Reform\u2019s legal aid challenge<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PAS launches new website<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright\"><a class=\"single-image-gallery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prisonersadvice.org.uk\/about\/our-history\/2014-1\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prisonersadvice.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/2014-1-300x220.jpg\" alt=\"2014 1\" class=\"wp-image-2374\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright\"><a class=\"single-image-gallery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prisonersadvice.org.uk\/about\/our-history\/2014-2\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prisonersadvice.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/2014-2-300x210.jpg\" alt=\"2014 2\" class=\"wp-image-2375\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2014<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Awarded Centre of Excellence status by the London Legal Support Trust<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shortlisted for the Liberty Human Rights \u201cClose to Home\u201d Award.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PAS and Howard League for Penal Reform seek permission for judicial reviews against cuts to legal aid for prisoners<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2013<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nominated for the Una Padel Awards, run by the Centre for Crime and Justice Studies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright\"><a class=\"single-image-gallery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prisonersadvice.org.uk\/about\/our-history\/attachment\/2012\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prisonersadvice.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/2012.jpg\" alt=\"2012\" class=\"wp-image-2373\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2012<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Awarded the Longford Prize<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PAS clients won Childcare Resettlement Leave<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Successfully defended prisoner\u2019s right to keep legal reference book<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PAS receives grant from Big Lottery Fund<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright\"><a class=\"single-image-gallery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prisonersadvice.org.uk\/about\/our-history\/attachment\/2011\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prisonersadvice.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/2011.jpg\" alt=\"2011\" class=\"wp-image-2372\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2011<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Won LALY award for Best Legal Aid Firm<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brought change in prison policy around confiscation orders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PAS was granted permission to challenge the Prisoners\u2019 Earnings Act<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2010<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>PAS\u2019s first case at the Supreme Court<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2009<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Community Care Caseworker post established<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright\"><a class=\"single-image-gallery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prisonersadvice.org.uk\/about\/our-history\/attachment\/2007\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prisonersadvice.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/2007-210x300.png\" alt=\"2007\" class=\"wp-image-2366\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2007<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Unique legal outreach at women\u2019s prisons began.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2006<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Settled two claims for damages for racial discrimination. First time PAS has obtained damages for prisoners under the Race Relations Act<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2004<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Unique legal outreach at men\u2019s prisons began<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Race Discrimination Caseworker post established<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright\"><a class=\"single-image-gallery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prisonersadvice.org.uk\/about\/our-history\/attachment\/1997\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prisonersadvice.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/1997-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"1997\" class=\"wp-image-2365\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2002<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Women Prisoners\u2019 Caseworker post established<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1997<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>PAS begins to provide detailed information leaflets, and starts to distribute the Prisoners\u2019 Legal Rights Group Bulletin<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1996<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>PAS legal staff wrote a key text book on prison law<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PAS able to take volunteers due to increased space<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright\"><a class=\"single-image-gallery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prisonersadvice.org.uk\/about\/our-history\/attachment\/1996\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prisonersadvice.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/1996-168x300.jpg\" alt=\"1996\" class=\"wp-image-2364\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1994<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Incentive and Earned Privileges Scheme, and Mandatory Drugs Tests introduced \u2013 results in rise in demand for advice from PAS<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1993<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>PAS cases led to Prison Service allowing prisoners to see their parole reports and be given reasons for refusal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Simon Creighton becomes PAS\u2019 first solicitor<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PAS successfully applied to the Legal Services Commission for a franchise to operate a legal aid scheme, and the organisation began taking on its own litigation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a class=\"single-image-gallery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prisonersadvice.org.uk\/about\/our-history\/attachment\/1993\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prisonersadvice.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/1993-300x149.jpg\" alt=\"1993\" class=\"wp-image-2368\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1991<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prisoners\u2019 Advice Service founded by organisations including Liberty, NACRO, Prison Reform Trust and Howard League for Penal Reform<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a class=\"single-image-gallery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prisonersadvice.org.uk\/about\/our-history\/attachment\/1991\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prisonersadvice.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/1991-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"1991\" class=\"wp-image-2367\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>PAS&nbsp;is an independent charity founded in 1991 by organisations including Liberty, NACRO, the Prison Reform Trust, and the Howard League [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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