Tamara Höfer

Tamara is a motivated and adaptable expert in penal reform, who uses an evidence-based approach to inform national and international prison research and strategy and holds degrees in Leadership and Custodial Environment and Security and Crime Science. Tamara previously worked as prison officer in England & Wales as a participant of the Unlocked Graduates Programme, a leadership scheme for outstanding graduates. As a frontline officer, Tamara made a difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable people of our society and gain vast knowledge on reformation and reintegration. Tamara is applying her knowledge in penal reform and research to innovative solutions in supporting prisons tackling staffing problems and poor prison conditions affecting outcomes for incarcerated individuals and undermining the fundamental EU values and international principles, such as the Nelson Mandela Rules, on which judicial cooperation on criminal matters is based.

“It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.” – Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela