How the Longford Trust changes lives
Our annual Longford Lecture promotes fresh thinking about prison and associated social reform. The Longford Prize highlights organisations and individuals putting fresh thinking into practice. Our most measurable outcomes, or contribution to changing lives, comes when our Longford Scholars graduate and build successful careers – like Jacob Dunne, pictured above left with James Timpson, Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, at the 2024 Longford Lecture.
Jacob was accepting the Kevin Pakenham Prize on behalf of award-winning playwright James Graham, who based his latest work, Punch, on Jacob’s memoir Right from Wrong. After huge acclaim at the Nottingham Playhouse and then at the Young Vic, Punch transferred to the Apollo Theatre in the West End in autumn 2025, as well as having a short run on Broadway in New York.
A passionate advocate for restorative justice, Jacob now hosts his own podcast called Right from Wrong, speaking with guests about crime, punishment and redemption. Having graduated with a First in criminology, he also still visits prisons with our staff to speak about being a Longford Scholar and how studying helped him.
Success rate
In the 19 years of our scholarship programme, four out of five of those we support graduate, get degree-level jobs, and get on with their lives. Fewer than 5% return to prison, against a national rate for prisoners of more than 50%. Others may not be able to graduate but go on to forge alternative careers, or start their own business. Read Imogen’s story.
Justin’s story
“The Longford Trust has provided me with the added support I needed in order to unlock my true potential.” Imran, Longford Scholar