FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Lord Longford Prize winner
WRITER'S FAQ
Q. What qualifications do I need?
A. No specific qualifications, it's more about a good general knowledge, having a background as a professional writer and experience of running creative writing workshops in the community.
Q. Do I get accommodation/travel paid?
A. No. but think carefully when choosing your prison as you will need to fund travel and accommodation yourself.
Q. Do I need to be a published writer?
A. No, but it gives you street-cred with the prisoners if you have at least had an article published and you know about publishing.
Q. Do I need to have worked in prison before?
A. No, almost none of our writers have had previous prison experience. The network gives full training and support.
Q. How safe am I?
A. Safety has never been an issue. You are welcome by staff and prisoner alike. There’s always an officer nearby when you’re working.
Q. How much is the pay?
A. Currently £13000 pa + £1000 project fund.
Q. What are the hours?
A. 880 hours pa. Average 18.5 hours per week.
Q. What support do I get?
A. 24/7 telephone support line. Quarterly steering group meetings. 3 writers conferences annually.
Q. What training do I get?
A. One weeks all expenses paid residential course.
Q. Do I get sick pay / holiday pay?
A. No, you are self-employed .
Q. What qualifications do I need?
A. No specific qualifications, it's more about a good general knowledge, having a background as a professional writer and experience of running creative writing workshops in the community.
Q. Do I get accommodation/travel paid?
A. No. but think carefully when choosing your prison as you will need to fund travel and accommodation yourself.
Q. Do I need to be a published writer?
A. No, but it gives you street-cred with the prisoners if you have at least had an article published and you know about publishing.
Q. Do I need to have worked in prison before?
A. No, almost none of our writers have had previous prison experience. The network gives full training and support.
Q. How safe am I?
A. Safety has never been an issue. You are welcome by staff and prisoner alike. There’s always an officer nearby when you’re working.
Q. How much is the pay?
A. Currently £13000 pa + £1000 project fund.
Q. What are the hours?
A. 880 hours pa. Average 18.5 hours per week.
Q. What support do I get?
A. 24/7 telephone support line. Quarterly steering group meetings. 3 writers conferences annually.
Q. What training do I get?
A. One weeks all expenses paid residential course.
Q. Do I get sick pay / holiday pay?
A. No, you are self-employed .
PRISONS FAQ
Q. How much does it cost?
A. Currently £4500 pa.
Q. How do I apply for a writer in residence?
A. Request a visit from a WIPN representative and they will guide you through the process.
Q. What does the prison need to provide for the writers?
A. All writers must be given keys, desk space or similar and a line manager.
Q. Is the writer part of the education department?
A. The writer may be based on education. However, by the nature of the job the writer may work in workshops, the gym, the wings and so on.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. Currently £4500 pa.
Q. How do I apply for a writer in residence?
A. Request a visit from a WIPN representative and they will guide you through the process.
Q. What does the prison need to provide for the writers?
A. All writers must be given keys, desk space or similar and a line manager.
Q. Is the writer part of the education department?
A. The writer may be based on education. However, by the nature of the job the writer may work in workshops, the gym, the wings and so on.
Contact Us
Clive Hopwood Co-Director
Pauline Bennett Co-Director
Writers in Prison Network Ltd
P.O.Box 71
Welshpool
SY21 0WB
Tel: 01938 810402
Email:wipn@btinternet.com
Clive Hopwood Co-Director
Pauline Bennett Co-Director
Writers in Prison Network Ltd
P.O.Box 71
Welshpool
SY21 0WB
Tel: 01938 810402
Email:wipn@btinternet.com
