News and Press Releases
3/27/2008
Minister visits Forest Bank
Ministerial approval at HMP Forest Bank
Justice Minister David Hanson paid HMP Forest Bank a visit in February to see for himself the skills training which is helping to reduce re-offending.
HMP Forest Bank in Salford, Manchester, managed by Kalyx, recognises that a prison sentence is not just about removing an offender from society as punishment, but more importantly understands that as they will be released back into the community, the need to engage with offenders making them better citizens and thereby reducing the rate of re-offending is vital.
Providing a job and accommodation can reduce re-offending by up to fifty percent and many prison programmes strive to reach this goal through working with intermediaries. Frustratingly, this does not always provide sustainable jobs because of unrealistic employment aims of both employers and prisoners which results in re-offending with the perpetrator stuck in a revolving door returning them to prison. HMP Forest Bank has adopted a different, more direct and holistic approach. By developing local partnerships with agencies and employers, prisoners are trained in specific employer needs giving them the best opportunity to move away from crime.
During his visit Mr Hanson talked to prisoners in a painting and decorating workshop about the vocational training they were receiving. He also had a fork lift truck demonstration by a prisoner who has received formal qualifications putting him in a good position to gain local work on release. The visit was rounded off with an impressive three course lunch in the prison’s new NVQ training kitchen and restaurant ‘Food for Thought’. Here prisoners can gain NVQ Food Preparation and Cooking at level one and two and RIPH foundation Food Hygiene and British Institute of Cleaning Science (food premises) Foundation Health & Safety certificates. These qualifications are nationally recognised by the major employers in the industry and the prison is in close consultation with local hotels where there are skill shortages.
But providing training and a job will not solve the problem of re-offending on its own. To keep an offender in work and out of prison, accommodation, a bank account, financial awareness and family network developments are all key together with post release support provided by professionals working at the prison. HMP Forest Bank has an integrated referral system, an on-site assessment for housing and a single point contact for accommodation with all departments across the prison concentrating on accommodation recognising the importance of this basic necessity. In 2007, 96% of ex-offenders from the prison had accommodation to go to on release. Co-operative bank accounts are available to about 90% of prisoners at HMP Forest Bank who are on work related programmes and financial courses. Giving that extra support can make the difference between nearly getting it right and really getting it right and HMP Forest Bank has used its unique position to create an environment that is keeping ex-offenders out of prison.
This unique and creative approach provides a workforce to the local community, a greater chance of the ex-offender not returning to prison and reduces crime in Manchester. A home, a job plus financial and post-release support equals a reduction in crime; a simple equation but one that seems to be working. A custodial environment can have positive results and everyone can develop and change for the better. Several ex-offenders have written letters to the prison saying: “Thanks, for not just the job”.
Last year, 256 ex-offenders left HMP Forest Bank with a job or training in place, accommodation and a bank account. This model is one that could be replicated throughout the UK helping to negate those spiralling prisoner numbers of tomorrow.
Mr Hanson said: “The Government is looking at how to improve the prison system. Employment, family contact and accommodation are key to stopping re-offending. The support we give prisoners can help to address the jobs needs of Greater Manchester.
“I urge other prisons to learn from HMP Forest Bank’s scheme to give prisoners who agree to learn a guarantee of housing on release.”
One of the prisoners who has gained GCSEs in English and Maths together with forklift truck qualifications whilst at the prison told the minister: “They have really helped me here. For guys who do want to change it means we have opportunities.”
