A ground-breaking Local Partnership Agreement has been
signed by the Department for Work and Pensions and Her Majesty’s
Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS).
The agreement aims to get the best possible outcome for offenders
on leaving custody.
The agreement, the first of its kind, is a contract between the
department and prisons, setting out a steadfast commitment to
working together and outlining shared objectives.
It is hoped this joined-up approach will effectively support
offenders in preparation for release, and ultimately reduce
reoffending which costs the taxpayer £18 billion each year.
Local Partnership Agreements form part of National Partnership
Agreements, which aim to support businesses by increasing
opportunities and moving unemployed people into sustainable jobs.
Minister for Welfare Delivery, , said:
We are proud to be joining forces with HMPPS through this
unique partnership and together we remain committed to ensuring
prison leavers stay out of jail for good.
Our dedicated teams of Prison Work Coaches are passionate about
finding work for prison leavers. Preparing them for employment
and life back in the community before release we know can make
a life-changing difference and help free them from crime.
Minister for Prisons, , added:
Helping prisoners find work is a crucial part of turning their
lives around and cutting crime.
This new partnership will mean prisoners are able to prepare
for employment while they’re getting ready for release –
benefitting them, the economy and society as a whole.
Under the agreement, each partner sets out their defined roles
and statutory responsibilities, but each must work together to
ensure the most effective join-up between services to provide
support to those in custody, and on leaving.
Each local agreement is tailored to the individual prison.
Quarterly meetings will be held between both partners and the
agreement regularly reviewed.
This collaborative approach between the DWP and HMPPS to support
prisoners brings together many services from providing work
experience and education in prison and beyond, through to
support, training and employment opportunities for ex-offenders.
And now, thanks to the national rollout of a phone line, prison
leavers will also be supported to claim Universal Credit online,
and can apply for an advance meaning they can access money on the
day of release.
East Anglia District Manager Julia Nix said:
Everybody deserves a second chance. Many prison leavers want to
make a change on release and return to a life of work, and that
has to be beneficial for the economy.
Together with support from HMPPS we encourage, support and
prepare prisoners for employment because we know that a job can
help turn their lives around, lift them from poverty, and that
motivates us every day.
The following prisons have signed Local Partnership Agreements
and more are expected to follow shortly:
- HMP Wayland
- HMP YOI Hollesley Bay
- HMP YOI Norwich
- HMP Rochester
