NW ESF Provider Network Event
14 April 2010
Tuscany Suite, Best Western Premier Leyland Hotel
Organised by June Wilson and Nicky Freaney (Jobcentre Plus)
ESF Network Provider events are designed to offer opportunities to learn from the experts: in this case, the experts were those currently helping offenders and ex-offenders in the region. In a time when changes to funding are going to affect this group, presentations around this theme from the Skills Funding Agency, Jobcentre Plus, Manchester Probation Service and NACRO all helped to put providers in the picture.
A highlight of the event was a personal account from Sam, a young woman offender, who had been helped by NACRO to get her life back on track. All those giving presentations were occupied by the pressing need to reduce re-offending, and the clear understanding that the combined issues of employment and accommodation are key factors in turning offender behaviour around. The well-attended event left providers better informed, with clear strategic and practical information to enhance their practice with offenders.
Presentation 1: Christine Hosie from the Skills Funding Agency
After updating her audience on the subject of the newly formed Agency, Christine showed where offender work sits within Learner Services in the Regional Skills Services. OLASS, the Offenders Learning and Skills Service, deals with 35,000 individuals in the North West who are still serving their sentence, as well as those still in custody. The three most pressing needs to be addressed are:
- thinking and behaviour
- employment and skills
- alcohol and substance misuse.
A coherent multi-agency approach is essential for addressing these needs. Christine also reminded the Network of Public Service Agreement 16, which highlights the importance of employment and housing for offenders: a job and a home are the two key factors in keeping people out of custody. The Integrated Employment and Skills Framework (IES) sets out the stages preceding entry to employment, and confirms the importance of multi-agency working: NOMS (the National Offender Management Service), JCP, SFA, GONW, NWDA and local authorities all have a part to play in stopping the revolving door situation in which the majority of offenders currently find themselves.
Presentation 2: Michael Ventris, NOMS ESF NWAchieve Project, Manchester Probation Service
This project is aimed at improving the employment prospects of offenders, especially those from this category who have other barriers to work, such as substance abuse, disability or health issues. The project covers the North West and Merseyside, and began in January 2010, with a remit to deal mainly with offenders serving their sentence in the community. Targets are for those into employment, but also include soft outcomes: disclosure work, preparing CVs, using mentors, volunteering work, job tasters, motivational training and financial advice. This project uses a case management approach, working closely with Jobcentre Plus and other partners and providers, including those in the third sector. The project will look to fill gaps in existing provision, rather than duplicating what’s already there, and assist the process to a seamless transition through the gate for more offenders.
Presentation 3: Michelle Hill, NACRO, and colleagues
NACRO (National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders) is a national crime reduction charity that works with offenders across the whole age range, and also uses ex-offenders as part of its team. Michelle described the work of the Manchester Supporting People team, which offers different levels of support, including 24-hour supported housing. They work both in and out of prison, and are active in six NW prisons, offering advice on a variety of issues, including housing and finances. One of their goals is to ensure that no person leaves prison as ‘no fixed abode’, and emphasised the importance of housing as a key part of the rehabilitation process for offenders. Sam, a young woman offender, accompanied Michelle and spoke frankly about her experience after release, emphasising the importance of support during the reorientation process and beyond. She brought up the issues of getting onto a council housing list when you have a record, and also of the challenges of getting off benefit. She is now a voluntary worker and a student, in supported housing, and well on her way to a new life – a real testimony to successful targeted support.
Presentation 4: Cat Settle, Skills Funding Agency: Adult Advancement and Careers Service
Cat outlined the new service and the policy documents underlying it, including Fuelling Potential: A blueprint for skills accounts and the adult advancement and careers service (DBIS March 2010). The aim is to put customers at the heart of the service in new ways, by establishing local networks of advice providers signposting people in new ways, with work as the key transformer of the individual. Every adult over 19 will be able to access the service which, in partnership with Jobcentre Plus, will offer advice and mentoring, using the latest technology. The core offer will be labour-market-focused careers and skills information, available online, by phone or face to face, working to an individually tailored skills and career action plan. Priority target groups will be offered intensive and ongoing support. Cat explained the development of the Advancement Networks, in which local advice professionals will work together for a common aim. She also explained skills accounts: by 2015, all funding will be accessed through the individual in their skills account. Skills accounts and AACS tools will sit within a single online channel.
Presentation 5: Janet Powell / Karen Marsh, JCP: Services and Initiatives for Offenders in Custody and Community
These speakers provided a clear overview of the services and initiatives currently available for offenders, both those in custody and those in the community. They explained the different approaches used in different categories of prison and the induction process for prisoners. The JCP carries out the crucial work of sorting out benefits and building a rapport with prisoners, informing them of courses and information about drug and alcohol counselling. The range of enquiries the JCP workers get from offenders is vast, and even small concerns can become a major issue. The majority of offenders leave prison without employment, and getting benefits right is a crucial aspect of preventing re-offending. Not all prisons permit internet access for guidance workers, so not all job clubs can offer the full service, although the focus is now firmly on finding employment and helping to identify skills and work experience in building a CV.
