With the creation of new employment councils to bring probation, prisons and local businesses together, the UK can expect to see a renewed focus on employment opportunities for those leaving prisons. But exactly how prisoner rehabilitation is best approached is the focus of much ongoing study, and the effectiveness of initiatives by private and public sector organisations alike is being closely watched.
At the Serco-run Category C resettlement prison HMP Fosse Way - one of the UK’s largest prisons - we’ve taken what we believe to be a pioneering approach to rehabilitation and job placement that’s delivering hugely positive outcomes. At the site, a 35-strong team of prisoners, guided by Serco staff, is helping deliver one of the vital services which supports the effective running of the entire prison building: facilities management (FM).
Max Rumley, Head of Reducing Reoffending at HMP Fosse Way for Serco
The FM operation is part of a wider training-based curriculum at Fosse Way, with a purposefully broad skills focus to accommodate a variety of talents and interests. Within the programme, the FM roles themselves are something prisoners really aspire to, and they also encourage self-sufficiency, giving prisoners an element of independence that will be invaluable in their future careers. In total over 100 prisoners have been a part of the FM operation at Fosse Way, many of whom have now moved on to employment through the programme’s employer partners.
When prisoners arrive, they are first seen by the Information and Advice Guidance team from the prison’s Education department. They are then interviewed and have their backgrounds assessed to get an idea of the skills and training they currently hold. Even if prisoners arrive with no experience, there are several workshops they can attend to learn skills such as carpentry, painting and decorating, or making components for new-build prisons. A number of these skills are then put to use delivering the FM service within HMP Fosse Way, under the supervision of Serco’s professional team.
The FM jobs within the custodial setting also act as a bridge to the community, often providing opportunities for prisoners to employ their skills in a way that benefits those living in the vicinity. Some of the FM team at Fosse Way, for example, have built and painted furniture and planters, and donated them to the council for use at the local train station. Not only does this give the prisoners a sense of contributing to the community, it also gives local communities an insight into the skills those leaving prison could provide.
Critically, the scheme and roles provided are informed by labour market data, with a focus on equipping prisoners with experience in roles that are facing a skills shortage in the local area. Not only does this help to plug skills gaps, it’s also increasing prisoners’ chances of securing well-paid, attractive employment on release. This is a critical part of reinforcing the message that ‘work pays’ and is shown to play a vital part in reducing reoffending rates. A recent partnership with the National Association of Duct Cleaners UK (NAADUK) is a good example of this in practice – HMP Fosse Way set up a workshop for prisoners to upskill them in this particular element of FM after data showed 1500+ vacancies across the country.
A former prisoner, part of the NAADUK programme, commented: “I felt anxious nearing the end of my sentence, when one of the resettlement reps came to see me. I was taken aback at the kind of support that was available for me. I have now been working full time since release, and on the verge of starting my own business. I am settling back into life and making plans for my future.”
From NAADUK’s perspective, its team really value the sense of purpose and drive that ex-offenders bring to their training and subsequent employment.
Another former prisoner, who was part of the wider FM programme at Fosse Way, secured a job as a highway maintenance operative following release, through one of Serco’s many employer partnerships. His duties in his new employment include repair and maintenance of equipment, filling potholes, and attending incidents, and he is undergoing further training to operate HGVs. Discussing the impact of the programme, he said: “Every day is different, and the company is willing to invest in me, meaning that I’m gaining more qualifications, keeping my work varied and progressing my career. I've been supported through every step of the journey by a great team of people and I'm looking forward to what the future holds.”
Stories such as this show just how vital it is that skills and training are supported during custody, and that links to business post-release are provided. In my role I see first-hand the impact that investment in developing skills and practical experience for prisoners has, both for the futures of those that participate, and in the effective running of facilities for the benefit of all inhabitants. Similar approaches across all UK prisons will be vital in reducing reoffending, creating positive environments, and ultimately reducing the prison capacity strain that presents a major challenge for UK government.
Learn more about Serco's wider facilities management approach by visiting its website.