The Annual BCU/HMP Grendon Debate: What Are the Benefits?

A regular feature of HMP Grendon’s regime over the past fifteen years has been the annual debate between 3rd Year Birmingham City University (BCU) Criminology Students and Grendon residents. This follows a tour of the establishment and an opportunity for students to meet with prisoners over lunch. The event is eagerly anticipated by both students and residents, with the outcome of the debate usually being a comprehensive victory for Grendon residents (the score is 14-2). But apart from being an interesting activity for all concerned, are there any other benefits to be derived from this experience? This article will summarise evaluation projects undertaken by academics from Birmingham City University and by a Custodial Manager at HMP Grendon. Outcomes include students positively evaluating the experience of meeting with offenders who have committed serious offences, gaining a greater appreciation of the work of prison officers and an increased awareness of prison life; Grendon residents appreciating being able to share their experiences with those who had no knowledge of custodial life while prison staff saw the visit by students as a good opportunity to promote the work undertaken at HMP Grendon.