Wates “Changing Paths” scheme aims to reduce UK’s annual £11 billion re-offending costs
8 July, 2010
Changing Paths, a scheme designed to help ex-offenders back into the workplace, has become its own independent Community Interest Company (CIC) and registered charity.
Originally established by the Wates Group, Changing Paths' new status as an independent organisation will enable the scheme to grow and offer even more training and work opportunities for ex-offenders with a growing number of organisations, across a broad range of sectors.
“Around 58% of ex-offenders reoffend within two years of leaving prison and this is often directly linked to an inability to gain employment.” said Chris Booton, Strategic Alliance Director from Wates, “We strongly believe there is bigger role for companies and communities to play in supporting ex-offenders back into employment.
As a principle sponsor of the Changing Paths programme, our aim is not only to provide opportunities within Wates but to engage our clients in the scheme and help Changing Paths to grow as its own entity.”
Initially established by Wates as a charitable scheme, Changing Paths has been successful in providing practical and life skills training, as well as future jobs and career opportunities for a number of ex-offenders returning to the workplace.
“Currently three quarters of those leaving prison do not have a job to go to on release,” added Michael Maldon from Changing Paths. “Re-offending costs the UK over £11 billion per year. Our scheme helps not only reduce re-offending, but provides companies with highly skilled and motivated employees that in our experience have gone on to be significant assets to those organisations.”
To download this press release as a pdf click here
Categories: national delivery, law and order, CR, people
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