An evaluation of the experience and meaning of shared reading in psychologically informed planned environments in prisons

This document describes an evaluation of the effectiveness of Shared Reading (SR) groups within Psychologically Informed Planned Environments (PIPEs) in prisons, as part of the Offender Personality Disorder Pathway. The SR program is designed to improve psychological wellbeing, reduce reoffending, and enhance staff competence. A mixed-methods approach was used for evaluation, including the creation of the Measuring the Experience of Reading Groups (MERG) survey. Results showed that SR participants experienced increased wellbeing, hope, agency, self-efficacy, and interpersonal trust, with these benefits being consistent across different demographics and correlating with regular participation. The evaluation concludes that SR is a valuable intervention in prisons, contributing to rehabilitation and personal development, despite methodological challenges such as isolating SR effects and small sample sizes. The document also highlights the importance of supportive prison environments for the success of PIPEs and suggests that further research using the MERG tool could be beneficial. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS)
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: Ministry of Justice (MOJ)
• Evaluation types: Process evaluation
• Process methods: Surveys and polling
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: October 2022

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes