[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.]

The University of Nottingham, as part of the Midlands Graduate School Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP), invites applications for an ESRC-funded PhD studentship entitled "In the Shadow of the Penal State: A Systematic Historical Analysis of the Penal Voluntary Sector in England and Wales." This collaborative studentship, commencing October 2026, is offered in association with the National Justice Museum and provides a unique opportunity to conduct the first systematic historical study of the penal voluntary sector (PVS) in England and Wales.

The PVS comprises over 1,700 voluntary organisations working alongside the criminal justice system, delivering specialist services, advocacy, and support for justice-impacted individuals. In recent decades, the sector has faced significant changes due to marketisation, increased service user needs, and reductions in statutory services. Despite its strategic importance, the dynamic context of the PVS remains under-researched, making this studentship an important contribution to the field.

The successful candidate will investigate the nationally significant Rainer Foundation Archive, held at the National Justice Museum in Nottingham. The Rainer Foundation, originally established as the London Police Court Mission in 1876 and later renamed, developed innovative services for young people affected by crime, homelessness, and sexual abuse. After a series of mergers, it became part of Catch22, which continues to support thousands of justice-involved individuals annually. By studying these previously unexplored records, the project will generate new insights into the historical development and impact of PVS organisations.

The research will centre on the principle of ‘charitable agency’ and involve comprehensive reviews of academic and ‘grey’ literature, engagement with specialist archives, and interviews with key decision-makers. The project aims to explore how the history of the PVS resonates in contemporary criminal justice policy and practice.

Supervision will be provided by Professor Philippa Tomczak and Dr Thomas Guiney from the School of Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Nottingham, alongside Bev Baker, Head of Collections at the National Justice Museum. The studentship includes full tuition fees at the home rate, a maintenance stipend, extensive support for research training, and research activity support grants. Both home and international applicants are eligible for support.

Applicants should hold a degree in criminology, history, or a relevant social science discipline, and demonstrate a strong interest in the humanity, fairness, and effectiveness of criminal justice policy and practice. Training in social science and historical research methods will be provided.

To apply, complete the Collaborative Studentship application form online and upload an anonymised CV, cover letter, and transcripts. The application deadline is midday, Monday 23rd February 2026, with interviews scheduled for 9th/10th March 2026. For further details on eligibility and funding, visit the Midlands Graduate School website. Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Thomas Guiney at [email protected].

This studentship offers an excellent opportunity for those interested in the intersection of history, social policy, and criminal justice to contribute to a significant area of research with real-world impact.