Her Majesty’s Prison Service (HMPS) has announced today that it has selected Working Links and Shaw Trust as payment by results partners in upcoming bids for the delivery of rehabilitation prison services.

The announcement, which follows a competitive tendering process, will see Working Links and Shaw Trust forming a public, private, voluntary partnership working alongside The Prison Service and other partners bidding for contracts to run prisons across the UK that are being put out to tender by the Ministry of Justice.

Both organisations have an extensive track record of working with ex-offenders in and out of custody, between them helping more than 80,000 people.

Working Links currently delivers a range of prison services across London, the North West, Yorkshire and Humber and Wales, and has pioneered the delivery of real work opportunities for offenders through industry-led training and work experience in prisons.

Working Links chief executive Breege Burke said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to partner with the Prison Service.  We know the government is looking for providers who can really deliver results, and we’re looking forward to developing models which will break the cycle of reoffending, generate real savings for taxpayers and transform prisoner rehabilitation. 

Through the delivery of welfare to work programmes, social enterprises, projects aimed at supporting ex-offenders and 49 retail shops, Shaw Trust has significant experience in helping ex-offenders back into employment.

Chris Melvin, chief executive at Shaw Trust, believes the organisation’s thirty year history makes it well placed to support HMPS: “We have built up expertise in overcoming barriers to employment including mental health problems, substance misuse issues, homelessness, debt, lack of self-esteem and family and community problems.

“Those skills will be vital in securing a better future for people in the criminal justice system, breaking the cycle of reoffending and helping ordinary people lead more independent and fulfilling lives."

The Prison Service’s Head of Public Sector Business Development, Ian Mulholland, said:  “I’m delighted to be able to announce the partnerships with Working Links and Shaw Trust. Both organisations bring considerable experience and resources; and have demonstrated the ability to equip offenders with the skills that employers really need as well as helping them to lead productive, stable and crime-free lives.

“The government has made it clear that it wishes to see greater use of the payment by results system, which is why these partnerships are so important if we are to be successful.”