BBC FILMS NEW SCHEME TO TURNAROUND OFFENDERS - Saturday, February 16th, 2008
A scheme to turnaround offenders backed by the TTC Group featured in a BBC news film. The story of Martin James (22), who was sentenced to a two year suspended jail sentence and ordered to do unpaid work for his first burglary offence of a sports shop, was aired on BBC News 24 and the Today programme as well as BBC’s breakfast news.
Martin, who had been homeless when he committed the crime, succesfully completed the Skills Builder Programme and aims to get a job with his new skills - never to re-offend again. The programme is run by Criminal Justice Training Solutions, with the backing of the TTC Group, and aims to tackle re-offending in the UK if it gets the backing of the Government and is rolled out nationwide.
Former Head of Youth Offending Des Morrison has joined forces with TTC to provide an answer to reducing crime by educating offenders, equipping them with skills and getting them into employment.
Criminal Justice Training Solutions (CJTS) works in partnership with probation and the prison service to steer people away from crime through “high quality interventions” to turnaround low risk offenders leading to greater public protection.
“We intend to make a tangible difference. The best outcome for an offender and for society is for them to secure a job. We hope to bridge the gap and encourage employers to take a measured risk and give them a chance to stay on the straight and narrow,” said Des.
The former Premiership assistant referee who has arbitrated in many difficult situations on the football field, said: “Specific programmes for offenders give them skills and re-training and build up their confidence so that they will not re-offend in the future.”
A total of 37 offenders sentenced by magistrates to unpaid work orders for a range of offences including car crime, burglary and theft, took part in the first pilot CJTS Skills Builder programme launched in partnership with Derbyshire Probation Service. The programme has given them essential employment skills which CJTS hopse to roll out to other areas.
Offenders learn problem solving, presentation skills, working as part of a team and on their own, interview skills and sessions on DIY, manual handling, food hygiene, painting and decorating for beginners, first aid and alcohol awareness.
Their partners in the training venture are TTC Group director Jenny Wynn, a former senior probation officer and husband Graham, a former magistrate, who provide alcohol and drug education to raise awareness among offenders and motivate them to stop.
“Linking up our two organisations means that together we have a very experienced and professional team able to provide solutions to the criminal justice system across the UK,” said Jenny, whose company has more than 100 trainers nationwide, many former senior police and probation officers.
