No Going Back was designed to specifically prepare individuals in prison for job opportunities that will be offered by members of the Livery Companies.
In 2020 the No Going Back Livery initiative was launched, supported by 13 Companies. This initiative took a strategic, bold and pioneering approach focussing on a specific group of people – those leaving prison, to deliver for them skills training, support, jobs and housing.
The 12-month pilot, facilitated through the charity Bounce Back, was a huge success and it exceeded all its targets which was evidenced in an independent evaluation. Despite Covid it engaged with over 400 individuals and achieved 50 prison leavers into sustained employment.
Reoffending costs the UK economy £18 billion a year, and the reoffending rate for those given 12-month prison sentences is 64.1%. This project is therefore seen as part of the strong tradition of philanthropic giving by the Livery to the prison sector.
The programme is now in Year 2, supported by 27 companies, with a target of 90 prison leavers into employment and, aside from funding, it is looking for Livery Companies and their members to contribute in two ways. The first is by offering employment to suitable candidates when they leave prison, and the second is for volunteers to come forward to work with the prison leavers and support them in a number of different ways to prepare them for the world of work.
If you or your company is interested in getting involved, please contact Johnny Robertson or Francesca Findlater.
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