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Norwegian & UK prison system comparative study

Goal: Global MapAid (or simply MapAid) would like to ascertain if, in quantitative terms, the Norwegian prison system is, or is not, more effective and humane, at imprisonment compared to the UK prison system. We plan to use the "social return on investment" (SROI) methodology, which may be an imperfect metric but is at least based on real numbers.

Volunteer: You will be able to give 1 hour per day, for 5 days per week, or 1 day per week. This could mean you are in a stable financial situation. You will be able to turn up to at least two of the three half-hour weekly meetings. It is anticipated this work could take 3 months or less, in the hands of the right person. If you live in Norway and are Norwegian, this will be a strong advantage as the project data from Norway has yet to be obtained. You will be fully supported from an intellectual standpoint, however, it is stressed you must be a self-starter and be able to take the initiative.

Background: MapAid has accomplished some preliminary work, on this problem, by researching and analysing some "broad brush stroke figures". Out of this process, we have discovered that several million pounds per year may possibly be wasted, as a result of the British prison system, which appears stuck in a form or retributive containment, that does not result in the re-launching of ex-prisoners, into society, as productive members. A key indicator is the level of recidivism, in the UK it is c.50% within the first two years, but in the Norwegian system, it is c.20%. ( https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-48885846 ). Capturing and analysing these figures, were a) a Ph.D. in statistics and computer science, b) an Investec data analyst and c) an international aid worker / business person.

Hidden Strategic Benefits: The Norwegian system is under threat of financial cuts. We anticipate this study may help show Norwegians, that cuts if implemented, could very likely end up with a more expensive total system cost. In contrast, anecdote suggests the UK system is underfunded, and we anticipate this study may show that a greater expenditure per prisoner may likely result in an overall reduction in total system cost.

Status: We have completed half the project, by capturing most of the data for the UK. We need someone based in Norway, or with good Norwegian connections, to be able to hunt and find the data for Norway.