The Novus – Foundations for Change 30 Year Anniversary Conference was more than a celebration; it was a summit of progress, purpose, and partnership. Hosted in London, this landmark event brought together leading voices in prison education, including frontline educators, senior prison staff, reform advocates, and government representatives. Among the standout contributors was Adz Khan, founder of My Kind of Criminal, whose keynote appearance and panel interview captivated the room.

 

A former prisoner turned award-winning entrepreneur and motivational speaker, Adz brought raw honesty and razor-sharp insights to the conversation. His journey from being sentenced under Joint Enterprise at 16, to becoming a pioneer in prison rehabilitation, made him uniquely positioned to speak on the real impact of education behind bars.

 

 

Despite growing evidence supporting education as a key factor in reducing reoffending, many prison environments still struggle to engage learners. Institutional barriers, lack of motivation, and historical distrust often prevent inmates from seeing education as a real opportunity. The conference aimed to dismantle these barriers by showing the power of lived experience and evidence-led approaches.

 

Adz’s session was a masterclass in authenticity and authority. He didn’t just speak about change—he embodied it. Taking part in a live panel discussion, he answered questions about mindset, resilience, and the role of education in rebuilding identity.

 

 

•The Power of Prison Education: Adz shared how he went from having no qualifications to achieving 37 certificates and seven diplomas while inside. Education, he said, gave him purpose, direction, and the skills to rebuild.

•Resilience and Growth: Adz emphasised how a positive mindset and daily discipline helped him navigate incarceration. He made clear that true rehabilitation starts within, but must be supported by opportunity.

•Speaking to Inspire: Adz discussed the impact of motivational speaking inside prisons, explaining how hearing from someone who has been through it can spark belief and action.

 

•Collaboration is Key: He called for continued partnerships between educators, prison staff, policymakers, and lived-experience speakers to transform rehabilitation from theory into tangible progress.

 

 

Adz’s contribution was described by attendees as “electrifying” and “unforgettable.” The emotional depth of his story, combined with his clarity on strategy, ignited meaningful conversations about the future of prison education.

 

 

•Senior prison leaders and governors approached Adz to arrange future workshops and keynotes.

•The Governing Governor of HMYOI Brinsford formally invited him to deliver sessions to both staff and young offenders.

•His message was cited throughout the remainder of the conference as a benchmark for what effective, lived-experience delivery should look like.

 

 

Adz Khan’s presence at the Novus – Foundations for Change Conference proved one thing: education is not only a tool for change—it is a force for transformation. His story reinforced the idea that reform doesn’t start in policy rooms, but in classrooms behind bars. His blend of lived experience and professional insight made a lasting impression, ensuring that voices like his will continue shaping the future of rehabilitation.

 

If your prison, institution or education programme is seeking to drive cultural change through powerful storytelling, mindset training, and educational empowerment, book Adz Khan. His sessions don’t just inspire—they shift belief, spark momentum, and create change from the inside out.

 

Contact us today to bring Adz to your next event or workshop.