ESRC DTP Collaborative Studentship: In the shadow of the penal state: A systematic historical analysis of the penal voluntary sector in England and Wales

The Midlands Graduate School is an accredited Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). One of 15 such partnerships in the UK, the Midlands Graduate School is a collaboration between the Universities of Warwick, Birmingham, Nottingham, Aston Leicester, Loughborough, De Montfort and Nottingham Trent.

The University of Nottingham as part of Midlands Graduate School is now inviting applications for an ESRC Doctoral Studentship in association with our collaborative partner the National Justice Museum to commence in October 2026.

Over 1,700 voluntary organisations work alongside the criminal justice system in England and Wales, delivering specialist services, campaigning and self-help for justice-impacted individuals. However, this role is shifting. In recent decades, the penal voluntary sector (PVS) has been deeply impacted by marketisation, increasing service user need and receding statutory services. Despite the PVS’s strategic importance, its dynamic context remains poorly understood, inviting historical reflection. This Studentship will facilitate the first systematic historical study of the PVS in England and Wales.

The successful candidate will interrogate the nationally significant Rainer Foundation Archive held by the National Justice Museum at its Nottingham site. Formed as the London Police Court Mission in 1876 and renamed the Rainer Foundation in the 1960s, this organisation developed innovative services for young people affected by crime, homelessness and sexual abuse. Following a series of mergers, the Rainer Foundation became part of Catch22, which now supports thousands of justice-involved individuals annually.

In studying these previously unexplored records, this Studentship will offer unique insights into the historical development of PVS organisations in England and Wales. It will centre the principle of ‘charitable agency’ by comprehensively reviewing academic and ‘grey’ literatures, engaging with specialist archives and interviewing key decision-makers to explore how the history of the PVS resonates today. The successful candidate will be supervised by an experienced supervisory team comprising Professor Philippa Tomczak and Dr Thomas Guiney in the School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Nottingham and Bev Baker, Head of Collections at the National Justice Museum.

Candidates should have a degree in criminology, history or relevant social science discipline, and a strong interest in the humanity, fairness and effectiveness of criminal justice policy and practice. Appropriate training in social science and historical research methods will be provided by the University of Nottingham and The National Justice Museum. 

Application Process

To be considered for this PhD, please complete the Collaborative Studentship application form available online via the 'Apply' button above. Applicants will be required to upload an anonymised CV, anonymised cover letter, and transcripts as part of the online application process.

Application deadline: Midday, Monday 23^rd February 2026. Interviews will take place on 9^th/10^th March 2026.

Midlands Graduate School

Our ESRC studentships cover fees at the home rate, a maintenance stipend, and extensive support for research training, as well as research activity support grants. Support is available to both home and international applicants. For further details, visit: www.mgsdtp.ac.uk/studentships/eligibility/.

Informal enquiries about the research or School of Sociology and Social Policy prior to application can be directed to Dr Thomas Guiney (thomas.guiney@nottingham.ac.uk).

Further information about this project can be found on the Midlands Graduate School website: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/mgsdtp/collaborativeandjoint/#collab.

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