Reducing the chances of reoffending
Lack of employment can be a major contributory factor in offending. Research shows offenders who are unemployed are twice as likely to reoffend than those with a job. Some 55 per cent of our caseload are unemployed.
Many offenders had poor school experiences and have little or no skilled work experience. They also have criminal convictions which are a bar to employment.
The purpose of helping offenders to gain employment is to reduce the chances of them reoffending and cut crime.
How do we help?
All offenders who come under the supervision of Surrey and Sussex Probation Trust are screened to determine their employability and level of skills. Those who are identified in need of help are given support by Education, Training and Employment (ETE) caseworkers to address skills gaps and gain training and employment.
The service is delivered by NACRO and funded by Surrey and Sussex Probation Trust, Jobcentre Plus and the Learning and Skills Council.
Offenders attend one-to-one sessions with ETE caseworkers. Support includes:
- Help looking for work
- Assistance with job applications and brokering with potential employers
- Help accessing training and college courses
- Advising offenders how to deal honestly with questions about their offending history
- Continuing support and contact once offenders have got a job to further develop their skills.
