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Professor Jim McManus has been announced as the new Chair of Catholic charity Pact, the Prison Advice and Care Trust. Jim is a Fellow of the International Society of Science at the University of Glasgow and holds a range of academic and advisory roles reflecting his expertise in public health, psychology and strategy, at the highest levels. He is also a Catholic and was a member of the Catholic Bishops' Conference (CBCEW) healthcare reference group from 2002 to 2023.

Pact is a pioneering national charity that supports prisoners, people with convictions, and their children and families. It is the leading Catholic charity working in the criminal justice system, providing caring and life-changing services at every stage of the justice process: in court, in prison, on release, and in the community. Pact’s vision is of a society that understands justice as a process of restoration and healing, that uses prisons sparingly and as places of learning and rehabilitation, and that values the innate dignity and worth of every human being. It works for the common good of society, taking a public health-based approach.

Jim’s arrival coincides with Pact's increasing focus on prisoners' health – prisoners have a life expectancy 20 years less than the general population, with half of prisoners experiencing a mental health problem, and rates of self-harm at near record levels. Speaking about his appointment, Jim said:

"It’s an honour to represent an organisation whose staff work so tirelessly to support prisoners and their families to make a fresh start. The challenges facing the criminal justice system are well documented... there is a major opportunity to improve prison healthcare by involving families and carers more proactively in the care of their loved-ones."

Pact's CEO, Andy Keen-Downs added:

“We are all delighted to have Jim on board. His reputation, across the spheres both of public health and the Catholic church, speaks for itself. Jim is a person who takes his faith seriously. It is fantastic to know that his skills and experience, so generously offered, will support Pact to continue to thrive and grow in the years ahead.”

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Source: Pact