Abstract

Background: Prison recall has become an increasingly significant feature of the UK criminal justice system, with recalls increasing by 130% between 2021/22 and 2025/26 and the
annual cost of imprisonment following recall estimated at almost £750 million (Nacro, 2026). Many recalls do not involve a new offence but breaches of licence conditions, such as
failure to reside or keep in touch. These may reflect structural difficulties including homelessness, poverty, substance use and limited access to support, rather than increased
risk of reoffending (ibid). This is particularly significant for women, who often experience intersecting disadvantage, including poverty, domestic and sexual violence, trauma, mental ill-health and substance use. Only 17% of women's recalls in the year to September 2024 involved a further charge (Prison Reform Trust, 2025).

The Lancashire Women Reducing Recalls Project provides intensive, gender-responsive support to women returning to custody on two or more occasions. Based at HMP Styal, a
dedicated Recalls Officer works across custody and community to identify reasons for recall, coordinate services and improve continuity of support. This evaluation used interviews with women, staff and stakeholders, an online practitioner survey and anonymised project data to examine the project's impact and identify how relational, needs-led approaches could reduce persistent recall.

Findings: Women emphasised the importance of practical, consistent and trauma-informed support. Accommodation, access to services and practical assistance on release, including transport, phones, food and toiletries, were particularly valued. Having a familiar worker from custody into the community provided continuity and trust, with women describing feeling calmer, more supported and more motivated to remain in the community. In some cases, this contributed to immediate positive outcomes, including attending probation appointments and securing accommodation.

Women also described significant barriers following release. These included unsuitable accommodation, substance use, mental health difficulties, geographical displacement and
difficulties accessing services. Apparent ‘non-engagement’ was often linked to systemic barriers, including difficulties attending appointments, housing instability, problems with
electronic tags, poor communication and release before adequate support was in place. Some women reported deliberately returning to custody because they felt unable to cope in the community or believed they would receive better support in prison.

Staff and stakeholder accounts reinforced the importance of the immediate post-release period and the project's role as a bridge between custody and community. However, wider
structural barriers remained, particularly shortages of suitable accommodation, limited adult social care and substance-use provision, isolation and short recall timeframes.

Overall, the findings suggest that persistent recall cannot be addressed through compliance focused approaches alone. Effective prevention requires sustained, trusted relationships alongside practical and structural support, particularly in housing, health and social care, substance-use treatment, meaningful activity and community connection.