A smart solution to preventing re-offending

The target group (prisoners and ex-offenders in the community who are at medium to high risk of re-offending) encompass many who are on the margins of society and experiencing multiple barriers that exclude them from the labour market. Jobtrack is based on the needs of its service users.  It is flexible and delivered across Northern Ireland. Each participant receives a number of interventions, including an individual assessment and an action plan.  Action planning considers issues such as benefits advice; handling disclosure of your conviction; skills training and job sampling opportunities.

Central to the success of our work with service users is a proactive approach with employers.  Jobtrack provides training and advice on the safe and fair recruitment of individuals with convictions, as well as opportunities for positive engagement between employers and service users. 

The case for employment-led resettlement

Why should money be spent on helping offenders once they’re released from prison?  It’s simple.  Proper resettlement services reduce crime and helps create a safer society. Prisoners who have problems with both employment and accommodation on release from prison had a reoffending rate of 74% during the year after custody, compared to 43% for those with no problems. In 2002, the Home Office estimated the financial cost of re-offending by ex-prisoners based on recorded crime alone was £11 billion. 

In Northern Ireland, the rate of re-offending stands at 42.8% and the cost of imprisonment is £78,000 per prisoner per year.  At present, there are 1453 individuals in prison. The Jobtrack programme has a re-offending rate of 24% and works with an average of 1,000 prisoners and ex-offenders each year.  Alongside other measures provided by PBNI, it contributes to a reduction in the reconviction rate of prisoners and ex-offenders.  The budget allocated to Jobtrack compared with the potential savings in terms of prison costs represents a significant return in investment.

A lower rate of re-offending results in smaller numbers in prison, a reduced cost of crime to the economy and a safer society. 

Brian’s story

Brian came to NIACRO when released from Magilligan prison, keen to put his offending behind him. Identifying the need for new skills in order to access the labour market, his Jobtrack Employment Officer enrolled him on a course to secure employment as a digger driver.

During training, Brian’s instructor felt that he had a natural aptitude for driving and in particular a talent for helping other students get through their training.  The instructor felt that he should consider becoming a trainer himself.  Brian enrolled on another course to gain this qualification, passing the driving and operating exams, but failing on computer and presentation skills - due in part to a lack of confidence.

With further assistance from the Jobtrack team, Brian addressed this issue through an ECDL training course and a personal instructor to assist with public speaking.  His newfound skills allowed Brian to think seriously about starting his own plant training business. 

Brian passed his exams on his second attempt and is now a fully qualified instructor and examiner. He has also completed the Invest NI Start a Business Programme with Moyle Enterprise Agency and has secured business premises.  He has applied for a Rural Development Grant and has letters of support from a number of potential customers, including his local DEL training branch.  Brian is also actively recruiting people with a conviction.