Lord Timpson, Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, offers his thoughts on his first few months in His Majesty’s Government and the importance of employment in changing lives and cutting crime.
Reflecting on my first months as Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, it’s been a time of learning, listening, and action. I’ve visited prisons and PDUs (Probation Delivery Units) here and abroad, spoken with dedicated staff, and heard many stories from those rebuilding their lives.
Before becoming a Minister, my background as CEO of Timpson Group and Chair of the Prison Reform Trust gave me a unique perspective on our criminal justice system’s challenges and opportunities. It has been over twenty years since I first visited a prison, met a prisoner who I thought would be a great addition to the Timpson team, and offered them a job upon release. From that moment and following the success of that individual, I knew there must be fantastic untapped potential in prisons for what was then my business, and indeed for all employers.
Employment is about more than earning a living; it’s about dignity, purpose, and contributing positively to society. Most prison leavers I recruited were extremely loyal, productive, and hardworking, and we know that those with jobs are less likely to reoffend. Colleagues also loved helping people get a second chance.
This is why we have New Futures Network, the specialist employment team in His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, doing vital work to create job opportunities for people leaving prison. It’s also why the work charities and social enterprises do to support people into employment is so important.
Employment and Crime Reduction
We know people leaving prison are much less likely to reoffend if they have a job within a year of release. Helping people into employment cuts crime and helps the economy. In 2021, I started the Employment Advisory Board network. At the time, only 14% of prison leavers had a job within six months of release, and by March 2023, it was over 30%.
Breaking the Cycle of Reoffending
Employment provides a pathway out of the cycle of reoffending. When individuals have the opportunity to work, they are less likely to return to criminal activity. It offers a sense of stability and a reason to stay on the right path. I have seen personally how transformative jobs can be for someone who has served their time and is ready to start anew.
Building Skills and Boosting our Economy
Many men and women lack the skills and confidence needed to secure and maintain employment after prison. Through targeted training programs and support, we can equip them with the tools they need to succeed. This not only benefits the individual but also strengthens our workforce and economy, plugging labour shortages with skilled and dedicated employees.
Reducing Stigma
There is still a significant stigma attached to hiring individuals with a criminal record. As a society, we need to move beyond this and recognize the potential in every person. Employers who take a chance on these individuals often find loyal, hardworking employees who are grateful for the opportunity. I am working to foster more partnerships with businesses who can benefit from this.
Personal Stories of Success
During my visits, I have met many individuals who have turned their lives around through employment. Their stories are a testament to the power of second chances. One such story is a woman I met in Birmingham who had a history of offending linked to drug addiction. Having gone through a programme she was living free from drugs and had aspirations to work in the hospitality sector. I’m proud that with the help of HMPPS staff she is now working for Greene King and starting a new chapter of her life. That is to her benefit, her family’s benefit, society’s – and I hope to the benefit of that business too – I know from experience how committed people can be to a company when it offers them a second chance in life.
As we move forward, my focus will be on enhancing our employment support initiatives by improving access to education and training, and working closely with employers to create more opportunities, both for those in custody and in the community. This month, we launched 11 regional Employment Councils, bringing together business leaders with the Probation Service and Department of Work and Pensions to build on the success of Employment Advisory Boards and get more people into work.
The criminal justice system exists to create safer streets and part of that is ensuring that people can get jobs and successfully reintegrate into society after they have served their time, to break the cycle of reoffending. I believe that with the right support, every individual has the potential to contribute positively to our society.
I am more committed than ever to ensuring that our justice system not only holds individuals accountable but also provides them with the tools they need to rebuild their lives. Preparing them for and supporting them into employment is a cornerstone of this mission, and I look forward to continuing this vital work.
For those organisations who would like to find out more about partnership opportunities, register your interest.
By James Timpson, Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending