NCE Path Justice
& HPR-J.

THE PROPOSITION

A career pathway that continues after release.

NCE proposes connecting personal goals, approved learning, verified contribution, employer preparation and practical resettlement support. The app would continue in the community, with human support. HPR-J is the proposed framework for independently evaluating programme cost and incremental public value.

Research question

Can a personalised, employer-linked pathway improve learning engagement, sustained employment and successful resettlement, and what is the return on programme investment?

Proposed first study

A co-designed feasibility study, indicatively 100 participants in one willing North-East justice setting, with a pathway into existing community provision and proposed follow-up of up to 12 months after release. Final scope, timing and sample require partner agreement. A larger powered study would be needed to assess modest reoffending effects.

What we seek from a university

Research leadership; criminology and education expertise; responsible-AI and economic evaluation; ethics and relevant HMPPS NRC applications; identification and leadership of eligible grants; independent analysis and publication.

What NCE brings

The NCE Path concept and general demonstration, proposed Justice features and HPR-J methodology, founder-led development and a longer-term NCE Forge delivery vision. Secure justice deployment, partners and outcomes are not yet established.

Funding and roles

Discuss an illustrative £150,000 wider feasibility envelope, fully costed for the chosen call. The £20,000 Reading for Redemption award is a distinct, university-led curated-reading opportunity, not funding for the whole platform. A prison or probation partner, educators, employers and community services would also be needed.

Governance and independence

Agree data responsibilities, security and AI oversight, accessible voluntary research participation, full cost allocation, IP and publication rights. NCE points do not determine release or sentences. The intervention would support staff and participants; it would not provide clinical diagnosis or automated justice decisions.

First step

A 30-minute scoping conversation on research fit, a realistic cohort, grant readiness and next actions. Contact Adam Powell: hello@nceinstitute.com.

Full proposition: nceinstitute.com/justice/