Perspectives on peer mentoring and employment prospects post release for incarcerated women in England and Wales

This study examines the value of peer mentoring within a women's prison as a mechanism for enhancing employability and employment prospects post-release, while addressing perceived barriers to employer decision-making. Drawing upon the views of peer mentors and staff at a female prison in England and Wales, the study highlights how mentoring roles provide opportunities to gain formal qualifications and foster softer, person-centric attributes such as confidence, self-esteem, and a renewed sense of purpose. At the same time, it explores systemic and personal barriers mentors face in transitioning from prison-based mentoring roles to employment post-release, including stigma, limited opportunities for progression, and concerns about identity fragility, particularly for a role that is tied to their history of offending, which many aspire to leave behind. Despite these challenges, peer mentors often expressed a motivation to gain work in advice and guidance roles upon release. The research underscores the importance of recognising peer mentoring as having salient employability related gains. However, to fully unlock its potential as a bridge to meaningful employment, these roles should be supported by structured pathways to opportunities after release.