EMPLOYABILITY

Merseyside Probation Trust is recognised nationally as being a leading area in the field of improving the employability of offenders. Government research shows that stable employment is a key component in the reduction of reoffending.

Research shows that 20% of the adult population struggle to some degree with aspects of literacy or numeracy. Among offenders this figure can rise to over 80%. By tackling this problem, the Probation Service can help offenders become more employable, thereby improving their chances of personal development and reducing the risk of further offending.

Offenders are required to attend a basic skills assessment when starting any community sentence. This is conducted on a one-to-one basis, with the learner able to go at their own pace. Following the assessment an individual learning plan is produced, giving each learner a focussed action plan for the future.

Classes for offenders are held at the offices where they report. Fully qualified tutors provide support and tuition in maths and English at all levels, through to GCSE equivalent. Individual needs are catered for, and tuition is delivered flexibly through groupwork and one-to-one learning. Individual learning plans are reviewed on a regular basis.

LRV8 (Elevate) is a unique employment focused programme devised by Merseyside Probation Trust's Employment Team. This in-house programme has been developed to help offenders gain the skills needed to enable them to access sustainable jobs, and thus reduce their likelihood of reoffending.

LRV8 Employment is an eight week course aiming to remove barriers to employment through an inspirational and motivational style of delivery. Offenders are trained in job-search techniques, cv preparation, interview techniques and form-filling. The team work in partnership with a number of employment initiatives, providing participants with extensive information, advice, guidance and employment opportunities.

For those who require additional motivation, LRV8 Active provides a stimulating range of outdoor activities, designed to build confidence, increase enthusiasm and encourage offenders to access education, training or employment. These include mountain walking, canoeing, navigation, rock climbing, gorge walking, raft building and abseiling. Two full weeks are spent undertaking conservation work for the National Trust, gaining valuable work experience in a residential setting. Skills are recognised and developed through a focused, personal improvement plan, covering areas including motivation, confidence building, communication, problem solving and teamwork.

Women-only courses are available in both programmes, and staff ensure the needs of black offenders are met by offering the services of their in-house Black Mentoring Scheme.

Many offenders have led chaotic lifestyles, and are not used to any sort of routine. Simply participating in a probation programme such as Elevate is a huge step forward, requiring them to accept instruction, be punctual, disciplined, complete home assignments and behave in a way that is acceptable to probation staff - all essential preparation for the world of work. For many offenders Elevate is a turning point in their lives, resulting in a move into adult education, training or employment.

Employment, Training and Education Manager, Dave Christian, won an International Justice Award in 2000 for his pioneering work in this field, and received a national Butler Trust Award in 2007 from HRH The Princess Royal for his pre-employment programme.