84. Ruth McFarlane & Dan Whyte: Improving educational opportunities for prisoners

Dan and Ruth are co-Directors of DWRM Consultants, a community interest company that works with universities to offer a wide range of degree courses to students in prison.
Dan has dedicated himself to establishing DWRM Consultants, at the same time as navigating all the challenges of leaving prison. He has led on the creation of a peer mentor support programme which offers education and employment coaching and support for people leaving prison, based on his own understanding of the gaps in provision. From a starting point of no educational attainment, Dan achieved undergraduate and postgraduate degrees while in prison and is now studying for a PhD in criminology.

Ruth is an education specialist, lecturer and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and has significant experience of working with people excluded from mainstream education, especially in secure settings.  She is all about supporting meaningful education in prison and on release. She has authored a wide range of academic publications, cited and featured internationally. Considering herself a student as well as a teacher, she is passionate about inclusion and equality.
These links will take you to their website where you will see their prospectus and details of post release support.
https://www.dwrm.org.uk/what-we-do/university-courses/
 
https://www.dwrm.org.uk/what-we-do/ttg-support/