Offender learning Research shows that employment is one of the most effective ways to help reduce reoffending. ETE works to prepare, guide and support offenders as an integral part of their community order. All offenders are assessed for numeracy and literacy when they come into contact with probation, and those who would benefit from support to improve basic numeracy and literacy skills are referred to the ETE team.

ETE staff work with offenders to improve their basic skills as well as providing information, advice and guidance to support offenders in exploring training and employment opportunities. This process is the Offender Learning Journey, which was introduced by the National Probation Service and the National Learning and Skills Council in 2004. It provides guidance on the types of education, training and employment activities that offenders should have access to. The Offender Learning and Skills Service, in partnership with local probation areas, is responsible for ensuring the delivery of such services.

Northumbria works with local providers through partnership arrangements to deliver a range of opportunities for offenders including:

  • Information, advice and guidance which is the assessment of current education and employment skills; action planning; access to funding; CV preparation; information on the rehabilitation of offenders act; advice on disclosure of convictions.

  • Employability Training delivered on Northumbria’s premises by an external provider EASE, which addresses the very basics on preparation for work and provides recognised units of accreditation.

  • Accreditation within Unpaid Work and Offending behaviour Programmes which enables an offender to gain units of qualifications whilst they carry out their order.

  • Literacy and Numeracy tuition and awards delivered in small groups or on a one to one basis on Northumbria’s premises by Newcastle College.

  • Work placements which enable offenders to gain practical experience with possible references for their CV.

Offenders are provided with a tailored training and development plan which will include ways that they can develop basic key skills, such as reading, arithmetic and communication skills. They are also provided with opportunities for job placements to develop work related skills and access to employment opportunities.

This work is supported by the European Social Fund and Nextsteps.

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Being part of the solution
Northumbria Probation Area is looking to the business community to be part of the partnership to tackle social exclusion and reduce crime by considering training and employment opportunities for people with a criminal record.

How we support employers
We can provide relevant information on employment law, recruitment practice, disclosure of convictions, the criminal records bureau and employers’ rights to access criminal record checks. We provide assistance to make a success of employment and training opportunities.

Offenders are also advised on the best way to disclose their conviction(s) when applying for work.

For further information Tel: 0191 420 6245.