Recidivism rates and the various factors that can affect them are a constant source of international scholarly debate. Sustainable housing, positive family support and employment are well recognised key factors in supporting an individual upon release. Our experience at HMP Edinburgh is that the importance of pathways to employment are pivotal for many individuals as they prepare to leave custody and the transformational impact in identifying as ‘employed’ and’ employable’ should not be minimised.
Since the launch of the Organisational Review of the SPS in 2013 we have been committed to taking an increasingly research led and individual asset based approach to those in our care. The Offender Outcomes team in particular have a strategic focus on learning, connectedness, wellbeing, linking to the community and resilience. Pathways to employment are unique as these pathways embody all of the strategic priorities of Offender Outcomes.
Case Studies at HMP Edinburgh have shown that successful employment pathways allow individuals to have a sustained focus whilst in custody while benefiting from supports from a range of partner agencies in order to be in the optimum position for re-integration into the community. Recent years have seen employers visit the establishment and get to know individuals generating a great deal of interest from residents. The Construction Skills Certification Scheme for example allows an individual to gain skills, become certified, liaise with prison based work coaches and improve CV’s and work on interview skills with Access To Industries. Our education provider can also provide e-learning packages and additional learning tools for employment. This has resulted in a range of success stories through established links with employers such as with Cidon and Balfour Beatty. Ex-residents have maintained contact to share their successes which has reinforced the value of having clear, supportive employment pathways.
