The Creativity Dividend: From Confinement to Contribution
About this Event
At a time when reoffending rates remain persistently high and traditional approaches to rehabilitation continue to face significant challenges, there is an urgent need for innovative educational models inside prisons that build meaningful pathways into employment and society.
This roundtable presents the insights of the Creative U Phase 2, a research project led by the Greenwich Business School in partnership with the Greenwich School of Law and Criminology, UNTOLD, the Design Against Crime Research Lab, University of the Arts London and HMP ISIS.
Together, these questions invite a broader conversation about how principles of Creative Justice can support more equitable and transformative pathways for learning and social change.
The event will see presentations from speakers and a roundtable discussion from 3pm-5pm followed by a networking reception 5-6pm.
Registration for the event closes on the 20th November 2026.
Sign up now, only 25 spots available!
This event has been made possible thanks to CREW | Centre for Research on Employment and Work and to MIG | Management Inquiry Group
Agenda
🕑: 02:30 PM
Registration & Refreshments
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:10 PM
Welcome and Introduction
Host: Greenwich Business School, Chryssi Tzanetou & John Tull
Info: • Opening remarks
• Context and aims of the event
• Introduction to speakers and respondents
🕑: 03:10 PM - 03:20 PM
Creative U Phase 2: Programme Overview
Info: • Background to the project at HMP ISIS
• Learning journey and creative entrepreneurship approach
• Key programme achievements and highlights
🕑: 03:20 PM - 03:30 PM
Creative U Evaluation Findings
Host: Helen Downham
Info: • Key evaluation outcomes
• Learner experiences and reflections
• Lessons learned for future practice
🕑: 03:30 PM - 03:50 PM
Keynote Address: Creative Justice in Practice
Host: Professor Lorraine Gamman
Info: Drawing on decades of research in socially responsive design and design education, Professor Gamman will consider what Pr*son education can learn from design thinking, including approaches to creativity and interdisciplinarity, and how these can contribute to new pathways for innovation in Pr*son education.
🕑: 03:50 PM - 04:20 PM
Roundtable Discussants
Info: Dr Kate Langham, Design Lead, Education Policy Innovation Centre (EPIC), Department for Education ||
Emily Thomas, Governor HMP/YOI ISIS ||
Dr Ella Simpson, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, School of Law and Criminology, University of Greenwich ||
Comfort Ayankoya, Chief Executive Officer, Untold || Libby Gray, Chief Operating Officer, Unlocked Graduates
🕑: 04:20 PM - 04:50 PM
Facilitated Discussion
Info: Discussion themes may include:
• Democratising access to education and opportunity
• Creativity as a transferable skillset
• Partnerships between universities, government, employers and the criminal justice sector
• Future policy and practice implications
🕑: 04:50 PM - 05:00 PM
Closing Remarks and Next Steps
🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Networking Reception
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
