The programme works with prisoners coming to the end of their sentences and provides training and a job on release for those who pass a rigorous selection. From an initial pilot, when parts of the gas industry linked up with Reading Young Offender Institution, the scheme has now grown to involve 80 companies and 22 prisons.
Sir John Parker, Chairman of National Grid, said the scheme had accomplished much in the field of rehabilitation of offenders. Reoffending rates for those on the scheme were about 6% - substantially less than the national average of around 70%.
Speaking to leading industrialists from many of the 80 companies involved, prison governors, ministers and graduates of the scheme at an event to mark the 2000th success Sir John said, “Reaching 2000 is a landmark. These exceptional individuals are now employed, paying taxes and making a significant contribution to their companies, families and communities.”
The event was hosted by the Rt Hon Cheryl Gillian, Secretary of State for Wales at Lancaster House in London. The Young Offender Programme has recently expanded to work with prisons releasing offenders into both South and North Wales.
Although the scheme is called the Young Offender Programme, it has moved on to adult prisons and the age range of those helped is from 18 to 35+, although 85% of them are aged between 20 and 35. Participants are also provided with mentoring support both pre and post release.
Dr Mary Harris, director of the Young Offender Programme said, “Much of the success of the scheme lies in being able to deliver work based training external to the prison while the offender is still serving their sentence. This is followed by a seamless transition into employment when they are released”
Key factors for participants are:
o To be approved by their prison governor for release on temporary licence (ROTL).
o A minimum education standard to enable them to pass the theory part of their driving licence
o They must go through the company’s normal recruitment and training procedures.
Juliet Lyon, Director of the Prison Reform Trust said, “There is a role for business in creating social change. You can help to create a safe and healthy society. By employing people who face more barriers and need a second chance, National Grid and its partner companies have enabled them to become the responsible taxpayers most want to be.”
Case Study
David was in HMP Blantyre House when he initially came across the gas operative course and went along to a taster session to find out more.
Previously David had hoped he could find work as a bricklayer, but the National Grid programme offered NVQ level 1 training and, if he passed, the prospect of a good job on release.
There was a lot of competition for a place on the thirteen week course, but David felt he stood a good chance as he had a history of employment, and he had worked to improve his literacy and numeracy during his time in prison.
He was accepted on to the course and although he found it difficult to adapt to being out and doing a normal working day, David received a lot of support while he was learning new practical skills in the training centre. From the third week, David was doing on-the-job training and found that mixing with people from outside prison helped with the adjustment.
David now works for one of National Grids contractors, is a team leader and has just bought his first flat. The programme has helped him to transform his life and he now feels that he has a future. He says of the programme: "It gives you a reason to get up in the morning, to hold your head up, and it means you are self-reliant. I know that I needed all that help at the beginning, but I have worked hard and got all of my qualifications. Now I have something to offer and I can feel proud."
Dr Mary Harris is available for interview – please contact her office on 0207 004 3491.