ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the indelible stain that is imprinted on the lives of those with criminal convictions while also examining the vital contribution those with lived experience provide towards research studies and teaching. Although I’ve been very fortunate by having a very straightforward trajectory towards teaching at university, this chapter delves into the many barriers I have also faced. It looks at the challenges that many like me have to face despite our educational achievements and is a level of frustration that comes through as the continuous attempts to prove myself seems to bypass those in the criminal justice system. This chapter is more than just about providing a critical analysis though, but more about providing an insight into the difficulties faced by researchers not only for those with criminal convictions but for those who are part of their research team. While more funding bodies continue to insist on individuals with lived experience being included within the processes and taking part in research projects, there exists a huge and unseen gap in the process that doesn’t provide support for those with criminal convictions gaining access to prisons with the level of access as their colleagues.
