Equality of Access to Pastoral Care for Non-Religious Prisoners

This thesis presents the outcomes of my doctoral research into non-religious prisoners’ access to pastoral care. The findings are based on an extensive literature review, analysis of antidiscrimination law, and the evidence given by over 20 participants. Using bereavement support and the experience of grief without God as a test case, it finds that people with non-religious beliefs, who make up almost a third of the prison population, are treated less favourably than religious prisoners and are particularly disadvantaged by universal prison policy, specifically the multi-faith chaplaincy intended to serve prisoners of all faiths and none. The incarceration experience complicates the grief process at every stage, but little support is available, and the primary source of pastoral care is the chaplaincy. My research indicates that many non-faith offenders feel uncomfortable engaging with religious services and so do not receive the help that they need. A lack of secular alternatives means that these inmates may experience poorer outcomes. Informed by a close reading of the sections on direct discrimination, indirect discrimination and the public sector equality duty in the Equality Act 2010, this thesis suggests that Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service may be operating unlawfully, and proposes reforms to reduce inequalities.