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Vice-Chancellor becomes Honorary President of social justice support charity

3 December 2024
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Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden of Durham University (centre) with Amanda Lacey, Nepacs Chief Executive and Kelsey Byrne, Team Leader at His Majesty's Prison Durham visitors centre

Professor Karen O’Brien, our Vice-Chancellor and Warden, has become the honorary president of local charity Nepacs.

Based in Durham, Nepacs works across the region to ensure people impacted by contact with the justice or social care systems feel heard and empowered.

As part of her honorary role, Professor O’Brien visited the Nepacs centre at His Majesty’s Prison Durham this week, to see their work first-hand.

Long history of support

In taking on the role of honorary president, Professor O’Brien follows in the footsteps of previous Vice-Chancellors who have also held the role.

Durham University has a long history of working with Nepacs through our research and our staff and student volunteering schemes.

Our Department of Sociology collaborates on research work with Nepacs. Recently this has included work around parental rights in prison and the importance of support during early days in custody.

Our staff and student volunteers also support Nepacs projects including their helpline and support for children living in care. Our volunteers are part of Nepacs’ visits team which helps friends and family visiting a loved one in prison.

University student
It is a privilege to continue the University's close association with Nepacs by becoming their Honorary President. Our academics are leading research on the impact of imprisonment on those who have been imprisoned and their families. Our work with Nepacs aligns with our strong belief in the importance of empowering individuals and developing a more inclusive society.
Professor Karen O’Brien
Vice-Chancellor and Warden, Durham University

Supporting prisoners and their families

Nepacs is one of the oldest charities in County Durham. It was established as the Durham Discharged Prisoners Aid Society in 1882. 

Today, their mission is to support those navigating the justice or social care systems.

They provide support to aid understanding, facilitate wellbeing and promote positive choices.

Find out more:  

  • Visit the Nepacs web pages
  • Find out more about our work on the Parental Rights in Prison project.
  • Learn more about our student and staff volunteering work.
  • Our Department of Sociology is in the top 10 in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2025.  Visit our Sociology webpages for more information on our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.   

Image details:

Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor and Warden of Durham University (centre) with Amanda Lacey, Nepacs Chief Executive and Kelsey Byrne, Team Leader at HMP Durham visitors centre.