A programme called CRED set up in partnership with HM
Prison & Probation Service announces its bold achievements in
the face of COVID challenges.
CRED (Clean Rehabilitative Enabling and Decent) enables
ex-offenders to join purposeful work placements which lead to
full time work and financial independence. This significantly
reduces the reoffending rate.
The aim of CRED is to engage residents in work that improves
their skills, confidence and employability. It also contributes
to a more decent environment in the prison.
The skilled placements and mentorship are geared to residents
being offered permanent work on completion of their sentence.
Despite the year-long pandemic, twenty GFSL sites continue to
drive the CRED programme, involving over 240 residents. The
trades include plumbers, electricians and carpenters. Others join
the scheme and gain recognised qualifications from nearby
colleges during their sentence.
Notable examples include HMP Hollesley Bay, when COVID absences
left GFSL with no electricians able to report for work.
Helena Butler, Justice Solutions Manager said:
During those times, we relied on the dedicated CRED team and
knowledge of the electricians we employ through CRED, stepping
to assist, otherwise we’d have struggled to maintain service on
site.
Not only did we maintain service but we saved £250 per day on
hiring external contractors.
Meanwhile the list of success stories at HMP Coldingley include
an ex-offender who became a valued part of the GFSL workforce.
With full technical and welfare support from CRED, he was offered
full time work on his release last year.
Paul Ryder, CEO comments:
We’re incredibly proud of how the CRED activity transforms
lives for the better.
It actively demonstrates how successful partnerships with HMPPS
and New Futures Network carry out essential work within the
community.
Notes to editors:
Gov Facility Services Limited (GFSL) is a Ministry of Justice
owned not-for-profit company. Set up in 2018, we work closely
with Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) to
deliver a range of facility services to 48 prisons in the south
of England, including statutory and mandatory planned
maintenance, reactive repair, cleaning, stores operation and
Project works. We also help the Prison Service reduce reoffending
by providing opportunities for prisoners to develop skills and
gain work experience. We currently support over a million hours
per year of work by prisoners across the 48 prisons we maintain.
