Researchers to evaluate training for people leaving criminal justice system in Wales

Researchers from the Department of Sociology at Manchester Metropolitan University have been awarded funding by the Welsh government to evaluate their essential skills training for offenders serving sentences in the community.

The researchers will undertake the evaluation of Education Training and Employment (ETE); one of the seven pathways to reducing reoffending.

Project manager Dr Hannah Smithson, Reader in Criminology at Manchester Met, described effective ETE as “crucial” for people leaving the criminal justice system.

The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the success of the new approach to delivering essential skills training to offenders in the community, and to provide recommendations, based on robust evidence (gathered through quantitative and qualitative research, and a review of best practice elsewhere), to inform the future provision of this service through the Skills for Employment Wales programme.

Dr Smithson said: “We know that effective ETE is crucial for people leaving the criminal justice system. Not possessing essential skills can often act as barrier to offenders securing sustainable employment. This in turn, leads to a higher risk of reoffending.

“Overcoming these barriers is crucial, particularly as the reoffending rate is continuing to rise. We are delighted to be working with the Welsh government on this project.”

The evaluation will run until July 2016.