NEW
DIRECTIONSOUR QUARTERLY NOVUS NEWSPAPER FOR PARTNERS, COLLEAGUES, VISITORS AND LEARNERS
AUTUMN 2018 In this issue: NOVUS WORKS BUILDS ON THE foundations to change lives
his year has seen the launch of construction giant Willmott Dixon. We have a well- TNovus Works, building on the work Working together they have developed ON THE PATHWAY Novus does, creating employment the Prisoner Apprenticeship Pathway documented skills gap opportunities for learners on release and programme in the North West. Speaking in the construction TO EMPLOYMENT developing partnerships with employers. about the partnership, Sarah Fraser, Head Novus and Willmott Dixon launch of the Willmott Dixon Foundation, said: industry and by working their Prisoner Apprenticeship Pathway The Novus Works team work with 66,000 “At Willmott Dixon we believe firmly in with partners such as Programme. adults and young people in 60 prisons the value of supporting ex-offenders across England and Wales, providing back into work. We have been working Novus we hope to offer Page 6 them with training and support to ensure with several prisons to build long term they are equipped with the right skills, relationships for a number of years and opportunities to develop qualifications and attitude to progress are keen to further our partnerships in rewarding careers into work. this area. We have a well-documented Sarah Fraser skills gap in the construction industry and Head of the Willmott Dixon Foundation Novus continues to build on their by working with partners such as Novus foundations to change lives, and in we hope to offer opportunities to develop the last year alone trained and placed rewarding careers in construction.” 300 offenders into employment in a broader support needed to range of industries, including skilled The innovative and unique approach reflect their personal circumstances. environments such as construction, offered by Novus Works is highlighted in catering and hospitality, engineering the ongoing support offered to Barbara McDonough, Chief Operating and manufacturing, and transport and ex-offenders, and their employers, from Officer, Novus, said: “We know that logistics. the recruitment process, as they transition offenders are much less likely to commit DOE AWARD FOR into work and as they progress along further crimes if they are able to enter Through Novus Works the ambition is their employment journey. the world of work when they leave HMYOI WETHERBY to significantly increase the number prison. With Novus Works we have a real of prison leavers that find and keep Making the transition from prison into opportunity to develop new partnerships LEARNERS meaningful employment. This can only be employment marks a significant change with organisations, supporting them in Learners at YOI Wetherby completed achieved by working in partnership with for ex-offenders and can be a challenging fulfilling their skills needs while providing a landmark Bronze Duke of Edinburgh employers. Novus Works is developing time. Support at this time significantly employment opportunities for our award expedition. new partnerships with businesses who reduces the likelihood of new employees learners.. By working together we can see the value of employing ex-offenders - falling out of work. The Novus Works transform the lives of people in custody Page 12 to themselves and society as a whole. team is committed to ensuring and equip them with the knowledge, ex-offenders can access any support they experience and skills they need to Through the Novus Works Employer may need during this transitional time, succeed in the world of work on release.” Charter, Novus partnered with whether that’s about their new role or
FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT e email: [email protected] 03333 222 888 facebook: facebook.com/Novuschange or visit twitter: @Novuschange www.novus.ac.uk/contact linkedin: search Novus - Foundations For Change PAGE 2. www.novus.ac.uk Plans to improve PRISON EDUCATION AND REHABILITATION
Peter Cox, Managing Director of Novus, responds to the new Education and Employment Strategy launched by Justice Secretary David Gauke. WELCOME TO NEW DIRECTIONS
Welcome to our latest edition of New Directions. It has been a busy few months since the last edition was produced, including the unveiling of the Ministry of Justice’s Education and Employment Strategy, the launch of Novus Works and our first Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. The best place to start, however, is the activity around National Employability Day. The annual event, led by ERSA, gave us the opportunity to celebrate what our teams do around the country to support our learners to gain employment on release. Coming hot on the heels of the new Education and Employment Strategy, the day was a chance to start discussions with like-minded he Education and Employment There is very little to separate these organisations and to look in more detail at what we can do. Our North TStrategy is intended to transform issues, but their importance is a key West Employability Conference kicked off our activity around the country ex-offender rehabilitation by focusing element of delivering this strategy. and I’d like to thank everyone who attended. We had a great response on creating a sustainable pathway for One of the key focuses for Novus is and look forward to carrying on the discussions. them to break the cycle of crime and the pathways and eventual destination integrate with their communities. The We’ve seen the beginning of some great partnerships with major of ex-offenders. This strategy is an strategy itself highlights the challenge employers this year. Willmott Dixon and Amey are just two of the opportunity to develop our approach we face - ex-offenders find it difficult employers who we are working with, creating opportunities for our and really drive the development of to gain access to sustainable work, learners while adding vital skills to their organisations. sustainable solutions in partnership with which can lead to prosperous lives prisoners, prison governors and the Elsewhere in this edition, we hear about a fantastic initiative at HMP and careers. wider support which prisoners and ex- New Hall, which has seen a number of inspirational women visit the We welcome the Education and offenders need. establishment to talk to the women. I was also delighted to read about Employment Strategy as a signal that The Big Draw project at HMP Lewes, this innovative project has been In our view, one key element is that the government is committed to deliver recognised with a national commendation, and shows the creativity and this strategy will require a new level transformation for prisoners and ex- passion our tutors have in supporting their learners. of partnership working at a local level. offenders to reduce re-offending and To truly support offenders we need to There are so many success stories across all our regions of men, women tackle the problems that can lead to crime. create links to enable them to access and young people who have studied with Novus. For example, ‘Clare’ who We agree wholeheartedly with the the workplace and also build their achieved her Level 2 in Beauty Therapy and Hairdressing with Novus, is commitment to bring technology into confidence in the education system. now starting a career in the hairdressing industry. the justice sector as a learning tool and With the fast pace of change in the Finally, my last word must go to colleagues across the organisation. The that prisoners need to be supported to workplace - with the coming ‘waves’ of success stories you read in this edition couldn’t be achieved without access high quality learning. automation - there is an opportunity to the hard work of all the team at Novus and I’ve been delighted to see For Novus, our role in supporting build a wider structure that supports colleagues rewarded for their work by external organisations. offender education and development an ongoing alignment of education in I hope you enjoy New Directions. If you have any news that you is a critical part of a much wider set of prisons with the opportunities outside would like to share, please send information to our editorial team at solutions which support rehabilitation. It of prison. [email protected] is our view that, to succeed in reducing Overall, this strategy should be re-offending, we need to create links welcomed because it demonstrates a between employers and ex-offenders; Barbara McDonough, Chief Operating Officer clear level of ambition which support home and family connections; we applaud. and provide for the person’s needs - from health to housing. www.novus.ac.uk PAGE 3.
Jayne Salford, Novus Digital Project Manager, reflects on what we mean by digital skills.
ast year, Lloyds Bank reported that 11.5m people (21 per cent of the As a provider of prison education, this distinction is also useful for exploring Lpopulation) lack basic digital skills. Around 84 per cent of men and 74 per the ways of aligning digital provision within the realistic confines of the prison cent of women have such basic skills, and the age profile is broadly as you would establishment. We have to see technology as a means of ensuring that prisoners expect, younger people have higher digital skills and those that are older do not, can maintain contact with their families, but also to build a network of support although the Nominet Trust have also highlighted that there are around 300,000 as part of their ongoing rehabilitation. Creating support for prisoners to develop 15-24 year olds who have no basic skills. digital skills means giving them the opportunity to use their skills to arrange Yet what do we mean by ‘digital skills’? The Basic Digital Skills framework housing, welfare, and enabling them to access support networks and engage with (2015) has suggested that such skills are based around managing information, potential workplaces. communicating, transacting, problem solving and creating. A simpler way of Yet there are challenges around all of this. Those that have committed crimes putting this is to say that such skills allow people to communicate, find information and are incarcerated necessarily lose a portion of their freedom and liberty to or purchase goods/services. In this way such skills are as critical as reading and compensate society and their victims. This is right, but we have to address the writing to enable people to engage with the world around them. need for punishment with rehabilitation. In the same way we teach literacy and For us there is a need to add a further distinction: between social digital skills and numeracy to break the cycle of crime, there is an argument that we teach digital economic digital skills. While the Basic Digital Skills framework captures both, the skills in the same way to support inclusion and ongoing relevance in a changing importance of being able to distinguish between the impacts of the two is critical labour market. The development of automation is unlikely to happen overnight, but to ensuring that our practical responses to the digital agenda have the greatest keeping our teaching skills relevant requires us to look at what we can do to ensure impact. The reason is simple, associating digital skills with jobs assumes that the that learners have the skills needed to maximise their employability. demand for those skills is present in relation to the workplace. It isn’t, technology At Novus we are working on this issue - we believe that balancing the need for and digital literacy are changing the nature of peoples access to society and also rehabilitation with new ways of engaging digitally is critical to ensuring reoffending public goods. We can argue that the framework easily applies to both, but a set of falls. The pace of change due to technology is a challenge and one that is social digital skills is about access, and maintaining access. additional to the challenges faced by offenders reintegrating into our communities.
hantell Kimpson, Bid Director observation in his talk. He said that a range of benefits for both users and Cat Novus, attended this year’s digital transformation is not as simple as prison staff. Sir Martin Norey from Modernising Justice conference in embracing technology (such as offering Unilink spoke candidly about the need London. She looks at the key opportunities to use iPads or machine to address the reality of prisoners A DIGITAL points discussed. learning), it’s about our collective duty spending more time in their cells. He to provide learners with great services. said that by acknowledging this, we can The importance of digital focus on providing a normalised digital transformation in our industry cannot The key to offering an excellent experience when they are in cells and be underestimated. The world of work experience for our learners isn’t the on wings. FUTURE is constantly evolving and technology technology that’s available right now, plays a much bigger part in every it’s about us making a conscious Meganexus is another rehabilitation industry than ever before. effort to evolve. The MoJ has made software specialist operating in the promising moves in this regard – they justice sector with a more tangible link Last year, Novus introduced the Digital have developed their strategy for to education. Virtual Campus will soon Innovation Hub to give partners and 2030 based on societal research and be part of their new software product stakeholders a better idea of what we’re key challenges such as the ageing Sequation, which offers a range of doing to embrace digital transformation population, emerging technology and simple but important benefits that help in offender learning. Our industry personalised digital experiences. to develop skills and familiarity with cannot get left behind – we must evolve technology for users. in how we deliver education and equip Read’s view that policy and digital must our learners with everything they need work together for the good of the end We also heard about progress at a local we must evolve in how to succeed in this digital world. user reflects a positive mindset that is level. The new digital hub at HMP Berwyn we deliver education encouraging to see the Government provides prisoners with a diary of their At this year’s Modernising Justice and Secretary of State for Justice David day ahead, as well as allowing them to and equip our learners conference, it was encouraging to see Gauke taking. plan visits and their schedule online. digital transformation not just referenced with everything they but recognised as a major focus for The conference also showcased This conference reflected a crucial need to succeed in this prison, the police and the courts. some interesting examples of other journey our sector is taking. We ask of organisations making progress. Unilink our leaners a willingness to change, but digital world. The Chief Digital and Information Software are a supplier of prisoner self- it is just as important for us to Officer for the Ministry of Justice service technology and their systems evolve too. (MoJ), Tom Read, made an astute are currently used in 28 prisons with PAGE 4. www.novus.ac.uk
esearch released by City & Guilds and Emsi this Ryear revealed that nine out of ten employers National are struggling to recruit the skilled staff they need. As we head towards a change in the labour market following our departure from the EU, there is a Employability growing concern among businesses that this is only likely to get worse.
Each year, in England and Wales, approximately 66,000 ex-offenders will return to Day 2018 society after their sentence. This is an untapped labour market that could offer a genuine solution to employers looking to plug their skills gap. In prisons, right now, employer partnerships are taking place. Organisations like Novus, and the prisons themselves, are working with employers to create pathways AN OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD for offenders to develop the neccessary skills so that, on release, employers have a candidate ready to join their business. Employers may believe that ex-offenders lack soft skills, such as honesty or PARTNERSHIPS WITH EMPLOYERS reliability, but these perceptions are challenged by employers’ actual experience. Research has shown that 86 per cent of employers record positive experiences Chris Horton, Novus Operations Director, talks about the with ex-offenders, 86 per cent say offenders settle into work well with colleagues, untapped labour market ex-offenders can offer employers. and 82 per cent say offenders perform well. The prospect of being able to move into employment on release is incredibly motivating for an offender and begins to create a sense of loyalty towards an employer. Giving someone a second chance at this point in their life will be paid back ten-fold in hard work, reliability and commitment. This process also brings diversity into the workplace and enables other employees to see their company live its own values. It can be an incredibly positive experience for all involved. With the average cost of recruiting and training a new employee estimated at £5,000, if employers could have access to a pipeline of potential employees who have been trained in the skills that they are looking for to support their business, then the prospect of employing an ex-offender could be financially, economically and socially beneficial. National Employability Day this year gave us the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the value of recruiting ex-offenders to employers across the country, through a number of events.
London The Novus team hosted a Speed Networking Breakfast for partners and National Employability Day employers. The event gave people the opportunity to find out how their different organisations could work together to ensure ex-offenders have the right support ACROSS OUR REGIONS in place to give them the best start to gaining employment. Organisations at the event, which took speakers Dominic Headley and Jacob Hill, who spoke of the challenges facing ex- place at Novus partner Pret A Manger’s offenders when entering the job market and dispelled some of the myths and pre- head office, included Bounce Back, Strive, London Community Rehabilitation conceptions employers may have surrounding ex-offenders. Company, A Fairer Chance, St Mungos, Redemption Roasters, DWP, Bright Ideas Trust, Discussions during the event focussed on how many employers are already looking at Forward Trust, St Giles Trust, Clean Sheet, The Exceptionals , Penrose, and employer alternative labour markets ahead of the UK’s departure from the EU, and the viability engagement representatives from HMP Brixton and HMP Thameside. of recruiting ex-offenders – an untapped labour market that can offer a genuine North East solution to businesses who are struggling to recruit the skilled staff they need. An event to introduce learners at HMP Kirklevington Grange to the apprenticeship Yorkshire and Lincolnshire opportunities available to them was hosted by the Novus team in the North East. Two The Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Novus team organised a ‘Bake Off’ competition employers from the region, Premier Waste and Keepmoat Homes, spoke about their between learners at the Catering Academy at HMP Lindholme. The competition companies, their apprenticeship opportunities, and what they look for in was a great opportunity for the men to showcase the skills they have learnt to local a candidate. employers, as well as finding out about skills shortages in the catering industry and the This was great opportunity for the men to understand how having a qualification and opportunities this can create for them on release. the skills set from an apprenticeship can help them to start a new career following a Speaking at the event, Kevin Marley, Head of Business Assurance at HMP Lindholme, custodial sentence. said: "The Great Prison Bake Off, a truly inspirational and fun day showcasing the North West unbelievable talents within our community. It’s a fabulous example of joint partnership Novus partnered with Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) to host a working involving the learners, Novus and the HMPPS staff at Lindholme. A great unique conference at the iconic St George’s Hall in Liverpool. The conference offered day with the opportunity to raise funds and promote the fantastic work of everyone advice and information about how involved in supporting Rotherham Hospice". employers can work with prisons to Chris Horton, Operations Director – Employment for Novus, said: “National provide a pipeline of people to fill Employability Day provides us with a great opportunity to highlight the work we are their skills gaps and address their doing with partners and employers in supporting ex-offenders into employment. In the business needs. Employers already last year we have trained and placed 300 offenders into work placements across the UK. working with ex-offenders showcased their success stories. “The value of employment for ex-offenders, employers and society as a whole cannot be underestimated and we continue to develop new partnerships with organisations, The event was facilitated by John supporting them in fulfilling their skills needs. By working together we can transform Platt, Regional Strategic Lead the lives of people in custody and equip them with the knowledge and experience they Learning and Skills North West, need to succeed.” HMPPS. Guests heard from keynote
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he Novus team in London have been working with TKeltbray Group, a UK-leading specialist business which offers engineering, construction, demolition, decommissioning, remediation, rail, environmental services and reinforced concrete structure solutions, since 2015 to PARTNERSHIP create employment opportunities for ex-offenders. Keltbray’s involvement with Novus has been extensive, working closely with Bounce Back, a sub-contractor of Novus. Bounce Back is a charity and social enterprise focused on the training and employment of ex-offenders, with three training centres within HMP Brixton with a focus on getting people into paid WORKING employment in construction. Keltbray has consistently offered interview opportunities to every candidate referred to them by the Novus Works team this year to date, taking into PROVES consideration the circumstances of each individual and tailoring interviews to challenge and support them. Lloyd Graham, a Community Engagement Coordinator at Keltbray, regularly liaises with Novus. He says: “If candidates appear that they are not quite ready upon release, I always PRODUCTIVE hope that we can help get them there, and more often than not I am happy to meet with them. The information sent over by the Novus team gives me an understanding of how to gear an interview and allows me (where possible) to challenge an individual which, in turn, helps them become FOR ALL more job-ready.” Since working with Bounce Back, Keltbray have employed 31 ex-offenders and offered 68 positions. Keltbray’s first ex- ovus is working with offender from Bounce Back is still working for them. HMP Liverpool and Lloyd concluded: “We have come a long way. We still have N working with Amey further to go but with support from organisations like Novus construction leader Amey to improve learners and Bounce Back, we can continue to reach out to ex-offenders to ensure ex-offenders speed and endurance and offer them a working home within Keltbray.” on the tasks to ensure they reach industry level reach industry standards. The standards in vocational traineeship helps to reduce reoffending by giving learners a viable alternative education. Novus delivers to crime, but also bridges a skills gap in a range of qualifications the UK construction industry. at HMP Liverpool, and committed to exploring links with Paul Pritchard, Employment Broker employers and continually review and with learners who are for Novus North West, said: “We are reflect on our curriculum offer to ensure completing the Level 2 committed to working closely with we are delivering the best learning and wage, but men are more importantly our partners to support learners into skills package specific to the men at developing a strong work ethic, increased Painting and Decorating employment. Linking with businesses Liverpool and the areas in which they live. confidence and are really feeling like part and joinery diplomas ensures that the learners gain valuable of a team.” skills and reach industry standards, “We have seen an increase in learners’ involved in the traineeship. which gives them the best chance of motivation and enthusiasm to complete One HMP Liverpool learner added: “I love success upon release.” their diploma courses so that they can seeing the finished product, seeing how The diplomas provide the skills to move onto work with Amey and gain we are changing the environment and am complete tasks to a high standard in a Emma Worrall, Education Manager at the incentives that this attracts. These enjoying working with the staff – we are controlled training environment, before HMP Liverpool, said: “We are motivated incentives involve not only an improved all working as a team.”
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ovus is working with Total training and skills they need to find People, a leading provider of employment and I’m delighted we can Napprenticeship training and now offer them the opportunity to work-based learning, to support get a foot on the job ladder with an offenders into apprenticeships on their apprenticeship through our partnership Building the release from prison. with Total People.” Novus and Total People are both part Linda Dean, Managing Director of Total of LTE Group, the first integrated People, said: “There is an increasing education and skills group of its kind in focus on apprenticeships becoming the UK and the largest social enterprise a long-term, recognised option, not in the country dedicated to learning, only for young learners but for all age foundations training and employment. Together groups. With thousands of people they have developed an innovative released from prison each year there partnership which offers offenders a is a potential workforce who, with the viable route to employment on release right support and training, could play from prison and gives employers access a crucial role in helping businesses to an untapped workforce to bridge plug their skills gaps. Through TO CHANGE LIVES their skills gap. apprenticeships we can work together Peter Cox, Managing Director of Novus, with employers to address their said: “Research tells us that gaining workforce planning issues in a way that employment on release from prison is benefits everyone, including society.” a key factor in helping to reduce re- The two organisations are hosting offending. There is an untapped labour events in a number of prisons, market within our prisons, a population introducing offenders to the of offenders capable of being upskilled opportunities that are open to them to meet the future needs of employers. through apprenticeships, and working “We are continually striving to ensure with employers to match suitable our learners are gaining the education, candidates to their roles. ON THE PATHWAY TO EMPLOYMENT
ovus learners have the opportunity to join the Prisoner Apprenticeship NPathway with construction giant Willmott Dixon, after the two organisations formed a forward-thinking partnership to bridge the skills gap in the construction industry. The Prisoner Apprenticeship Pathway programme was introduced by the Ministry of Justice as one of a number of proposals to reform prison education as part of the Prison Safety and Reform white paper. Novus, Willmott Dixon and the Ministry of Justice worked together to pilot a programme in the North West. Novus, in partnership with Total People, hosted a number of prison apprenticeship events to introduce the programme to offenders and give employers the opportunity to interview potential apprentices. The first Willmott Dixon apprenticeship opened to learners who had taken up groundwork training with the Novus education team within the prisons, with learners working towards their NVQ with Willmott Dixon, supported by Total People, while working on site following their release from prison. The programme is supported by partners within the Willmott Dixon supply chain. Going forward Willmott Dixon hope to widen the scope of apprenticeships to include other trades in the industry. The first learner is now on the programme, having been released from prison, and is now working with Willmott Dixon towards their apprenticeship. Sarah Fraser, Head of the Willmott Dixon Foundation, said: “This has been real partnership working in action. A team of people from Willmott Dixon, Novus, the probation service, the job centre and other support agencies have come together to make this work. For us as a business we really wanted to be involved in the programme and it was important to get this pilot off the ground. I’m delighted that we now have our first two apprentices working with the team on site.” Novus Employment Broker for the North West, Paul Pritchard, has been working closely with Willmott Dixon to get the programme off the ground. “The Prisoner Apprenticeship Pathway is creating real opportunities for our learners. We are working with Willmott Dixon to develop our curriculum to ensure our learners have facebook: facebook.com/Novuschange twitter: @Novuschange linkedin: search Novus - Foundations For Change the right skills to set them on the path to employment.” www.novus.ac.uk PAGE 7. NOVUS COLLEAGUES SCOOP NATIONAL AWARDS wo Novus colleagues were recognised at a national awards ceremony for passion and dedication has been acknowledged by the industry with their awards. Ttheir work supporting learners in developing enterprise learning and skills, to “We know that having employment on release not only has a positive effect on increase their employment opportunities on release from prison. offenders and their families, but on wider society, as research shows it can help to David Morgan, Enterprise Partnership Lead for Novus, was named the Institute reduce the rates of re-offending, and for many ex-offenders self-employment is a of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE) Member of the Year at the Celebrating real opportunity for them.” Enterprise annual award ceremony held at the Houses of Parliament. He was Celebrating Enterprise is an annual event run by the Small Firms Enterprise chosen ‘for over ten years of work promoting enterprise and entrepreneurship Development Initiative (SFEDI) and the IOEE to recognise the very best in within prisons’. enterprise learning and skills in the UK Novus tutor at HMP Wealstun, Sheralee Feldman, was named IOEE Enterprise and beyond. Educator of the Year for ‘supporting offenders turn their lives around through The awards recognise enterprising excellence in a range of settings, from new start enterprise development’. businesses to innovative learning centres, enterprising employees to international Barbara McDonough, Chief Operating Officer for Novus, said: “David and Sheralee business success. They also demonstrate how enterprising excellence can be found at do fantastic work in supporting learners to develop the skills and knowledge they all levels and, in doing so, show how investing in skills can achieve outstanding results. need to start up a business on their release from prison and I am delighted their Second Novus colleague earns A WINSTON CHURCHILL FELLOWSHIP
EDUCATION MANAGER resh from being named IOEE Member of the Year, David FMorgan - Enterprise Partnership Lead for Novus, will follow in Richard Wakelin’s footsteps after he was awarded a travelling fellowship from the Winston Churchill Memorial RICHARD TURNS Trust. The grant will enable him to visit organisations in the U.S. who support offenders and ex-offenders to develop their TRAVELLING FELLOW entrepreneurial skills, and look into the opportunities available for ex-offenders to improve their own, and their MP/YOI Stoke Heath Education afraid to change existing processes to families, chances through enterprise. Manager Richard Wakelin used accommodate new techniques and ideas H Through his research and work with former Novus learners, David will gain a research fellowship to chart a driven by both research and technology. It an understanding of the challenges faced when developing enterprising and fascinating journey across Norway quickly became clear that they’re focused on the rehabilitation of individuals rather entrepreneurial skills. He will also examine how ex-offenders can change their and the Netherlands, in order to learn than trying to find one set path that works mindset and use their skills on different pathways to lead crime-free lives. about how they use education to for everyone, much like our YOI estate, and reduce reoffending. they’re also careful to give plenty of time for Commenting on his fellowship, David Morgan said, “The Travelling Grant and Richard was awarded funding for the trip, reform. Fellowship of the Trust means a great deal to me. I am honoured and excited to be able to research innovative entrepreneurship programmes in the U.S. and be in which he visited three prisons in Norway “Supporting learners once they are through and seven in the Netherlands, as part of the the gate is also a priority for both countries. able to bring that knowledge back to the UK. Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Travelling They have worked very hard to create Fellowship. learning and working environments that He said: “Times are changing in our industry, replicate the real world and industry, as well “If I can, in some way, help to so it’s incredibly useful for us to be able to as providing events and opportunities for look at where other countries are excelling. those who have already left.” improve the opportunities for others Norway has some of the lowest reoffending Richard has produced a comprehensive rates in the world and is often referenced and insightful report into his findings, which that would be fantastic. in industry publications, so it was helpful to will be available later this year from the get a closer look. Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Travelling “Being a 2018 Fellow is just the start of an amazing journey.” “Their delivery models are all very Fellowship. flexible and the institutions were not
facebook: facebook.com/Novuschange twitter: @Novuschange linkedin: search Novus - Foundations For Change PAGE 8. www.novus.ac.uk ‘Clare’ SHOWS SHE’S A CUT ABOVE
Novus learner has found her hard work rewarded as she gets ready to start work as a Ajunior stylist in a prestigious hair salon. ‘Clare’ enrolled with the education team at HMP Send gaining her Level 2 in Beauty Therapy and Level 2 in Hairdressing. Speaking about her time studying with the Novus education team, Clare said: “I felt as though I was attending college which gave me a sense of escape from the reality of being in prison. The beauty salon became a workplace comparable to a salon out in the community. When the course came to an end, I didn’t want to leave so I applied to become a classroom assistant whilst working as part of the commercial beauty salon team. “Throughout my time working in the salon, I spoke to my tutor about employment prospects for those who were approaching the ROTL stages of their sentence. The tutors had experience of working in salons and colleges, so they were able to provide constructive knowledge and insight into the hair and beauty industry. I began to imagine a possible career path within the hair and beauty industry. I looked at the possibility of attending college as part of my ROTL and was encouraged by my tutor to contact and research colleges that offered Level 3 Hair and Beauty courses.” Under the guidance of her tutor, Clare applied for a City and Guilds Bursary. Out of over 500 people, Clare successfully completed her interviews and secured a full Bursary, which allowed her to do her Level 3 in Beauty Therapy at the London College of Beauty Therapy. This year Clare was nominated for, and won, the Eileen Cavalier Student of Excellence Award at the London College of Beauty Therapy Student Awards. Clare has secured a position in a prestigious specialist hair salon as a junior stylist, and is due to start work in the full time role following her release from prison. Sally Amer, Novus education manager at HMP Send, said: “Clare used the opportunity while she was with us to gain the skills she needed to find work on release and we are delighted her hard work paid off as she starts her new career journey.” NOVUS PARTNER RECOGNISED AT ERSA EMPLOYABILITY AWARDS 2018
Novus partner Keltbray was shortlisted as a finalist for the ERSA Employability Awards 2018.
ovus nominated Keltbray for the Large Employer of the Year Award, for their Claire Coombs, Development and Community Engagement Manager at Keltbray, Ncommitment to employing ex-offenders. The Novus team in London work said: “We’re humbled and delighted beyond words to have been nominated for closely with the organisation to find the right employment opportunities for ex- our work in helping disadvantaged ex-offenders into employment. We’ve seen the offenders on release. people we’ve worked with go on to do truly great things, demonstrating that there Now in its sixth year, the ERSA Employability Awards celebrate best practice across are no limits to what can be achieved with resolve, ambition, and the support of a the employment support sector and seek to demonstrate the day-to-day hard work dedicated team. The community employment team work incredibly hard to provide and dedication of those working to improve the lives of jobseekers, communities great opportunities for ex-offenders in London, so it’s a real joy to see that passion and the wider workforce. be recognised.” Chris Horton, Novus Operations Director, said: “We are delighted that Keltbray has been recognised for the work they do in supporting ex-offenders into work. We know that having a stable job is a critical part of an offender’s journey back into society. Employment provides an offender with a sense of purpose and direction, and has a direct effect on reducing re-offending; cutting the number of crimes committed in our communities. “Keltbray’s unwavering commitment to employing ex-offenders puts them on a path to a crime-free future, helping them transform their lives.”
facebook: facebook.com/Novuschange twitter: @Novuschange linkedin: search Novus - Foundations For Change www.novus.ac.uk PAGE 9. FOOTBALL, A VERY ENGLISH GAME ovus tutors have taken a different approach to engaging learners at NHMYOI Feltham with functional skills, by designing a football course which focuses on developing their English skills. Selected learners take part in football training sessions that develop their English reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. At the end of the course, titled ‘Football Changes Lives’, learners organise and attend a celebration event interest in returning to education to complete their full qualifications. with their families to share in their success. Debbie Cousins, Functional Skills Team Leader said: “Fulham Football Club Funded through a partnership with Fulham Football Club, and in collaboration have been very impressed with the lesson delivery. They have already asked with the prison team from the gym, the project enables the prison education me to work alongside them to improve their course further and incorporate the team to run two dedicated English sessions a week over an eight week course. written work they need the learners to complete into my lessons. Each session gives the young men a quality English class with resources, all delivered through a focus on football and sports. “All of the resources relate to a topic the young men love and they Learners undergo an initial assessment to establish their knowledge and skills have responded well to them. in English, and then sessions are delivered at an appropriate level. Running the “The course gives us an opportunity to build a rapport which can be used to course in this way engages learners who would not normally choose to study encourage progression in the core subjects after the sports course has finished.” functional skills, or have a negative attitude towards exams. Following their success, the education team are developing a maths course with The feedback has been really positive, with almost all of the learners showing an the same structure and ethos to share across other courses. Embedding functional skills THROUGH COLLABORATION AND CONSULTATION
ovus tutors, learners, peer mentors and HMPPS colleagues at HMP NKirklevington Grange worked together to develop an activity which teaches functional skills through practical learning.
Carpentry and functional skills tutors asked joinery, woodwork and carpentry learners to design and produce self-assembly bird boxes to sell to customers. Learners were involved in all aspects of the activity, from designing the product and making the individual wooden pieces, to testing its build. The project is part of a wider Education and Training Foundation (ETF) Outstanding Teaching Learning and Assessment (OTLA) project designed to give purpose, meaning and relevance to English and maths studies.
Learners used their maths skills when working out angles and producing scale diagrams, and their English skills when gathering information about birds and the different types of bird boxes currently available. They also developed their writing skills by producing an information leaflet telling customers where to locate the bird boxes and how to maintain them. Instruction booklets with scale diagrams and clear step by step instructions were also produced by the learners, as well as health and safety leaflets.
Once happy with the design, learners were given the chance to pitch their product, explaining the decisions they had made and the benefits of their chosen design. They also presented marketing ideas and produced posters promoting the “This project gave us a real opportunity to do just that. In fact it has become so product’s features and benefits. successful that the activity is now a regular part of the functional skills programme at HMP Kirklevington Grange. Cathy Blacklock, Novus Education Manager at HMP Kirklevington Grange, said: “We wanted to find a way to reach those learners who may be disengaged, to develop “And the project pack, which includes the project brief, resource packs, lesson plans their English and maths skills through more practical learning. and a map to the Functional Skills core curriculum, has also been shared with other Novus colleagues to use in their joinery and woodwork workshops.”
facebook: facebook.com/Novuschange twitter: @Novuschange linkedin: search Novus - Foundations For Change PAGE 10. www.novus.ac.uk TAKING A BITE OUT OF APPLE’S BOOK Janet Beauchamp, Novus Regional Director for the North West, was invited by The Schools, Students and Teachers network (SSAT) to join them on a unique trip to Apple’s headquarters in America. Janet gives an insight into life at Apple and what we can learn from them.
DAY 1 After a ten hour flight we arrived in Austin. I managed to stay awake and meet up DAY 2 DAY 3 with other SSAT study group We had a free day today (it’s We started with a visit to the Apple retail store in Austin to colleagues as they arrived. Sunday) and so a few of us meet the Store Leader who talked to us about Apple’s vision I’m the only one here from decided to go into Austin to see and strategy. Teamwork within Apple is absolutely essential and the prison sector, which the sights which included the colleagues are encouraged to share their ideas and celebrate each made for some interesting Capitol building, a very ornate other. conversations with the rest building and full of pictures of of the group. Davy Crockett and the Alamo. This was where we learned about intentionality. This is central Then it’s time to rest, ahead of a to Apple and is key to their approach. Everything should have busy few days. a purpose and if it doesn’t make things better or easier then it’s probably not worth pursuing. Staff are encouraged to look at how they can use technology to enrich the community and we saw a great example of this where a member of staff had been working with a school for the blind, showing the students how they could use voice over technology DAY 4 to programme drones to fly. Inspirational! Brent Frey, the Director of Education at Apple, shared with us how Apple supports education in the USA. It’s interesting to After this amazing start to the day we boarded our transport to note that many schools in the south still don’t have internet visit the first of three schools to see Apple technology in action. connectivity, but that isn’t stopping Apple. First learning point of Our first school was an Elementary School (think primary). We the day - you don’t always need Wi-Fi! visited several classes where the children were actively using We discussed leadership in education and, to be honest, the the technology to record their learning and also the methods challenges in the US are not that dissimilar to the ones we face. that they used during the measuring tasks that they were doing. There is a focus on literacy, numeracy and academic achievement The kids were even videoing each other and programming their with both state and national targets and intervention. Brent pictures to talk using the iPad that they all had. The teachers highlighted the skills gap in the more practical areas of creativity, were then able to review the work and feedback using voice over teamworking and problem solving. We discussed the need to and then send it off to mum and dad! develop this skillset with our learners and agreed that calling The next class we visited was inspirational! The children these essential skills ‘soft’ was no longer relevant or useful. had composed a piece of music on their iPad and then they Our next speaker, Dr. Jon Landis, gave us an insight into the programmed small robots which had xylophones attached to development of the Apple ecosystem and how, since 2013, the them to play their music. (Bear in mind that the children had not use of mobile data has overtaken more traditional desk based done this before!) methods such as laptops. This really interested me, as we may We also visited a middle and high school, all of who talked have people who have been inside for the duration of the openly about the challenges they had faced in implementing development of this type of technology. such wide ranging technology, including staff development and Are we really able to provide the type of access to technology family support so that families could actively participate in the that people need to function in the world today? And how do we learning journey with their child. influence our HMPPS partners to work with us to really develop It really got me thinking about how we could use some of what use and access? I’d seen with our learners not only to develop their learning but Then, it was onto values and culture with Sue Meyer, an also stay in touch with their families and their learning. educational lead at Apple. Sue used lots of great examples and A hop back on to our bus and a late flight over to California. phrases such as ‘culture is what happens in your establishment Next stop Cupertino and Apple! when you’re out of the building’. It’s evident that storytelling plays a large part in the perpetuation of the culture of Apple. Sue explained to us how everyone at Apple has a purpose and how colleagues are encouraged to become the ‘expert’ in their field. She explained that Apple employees are encouraged to fail in order to learn from it, as it can inform future developments. Do we spend enough time reflecting and learning from our failures? A very thought provoking day which really got me thinking about how we can further the case for implementing technology in prisons - how we really reflect our values in our culture? And how DAY 5 would we bring partners and our own staff on this journey I’ve been privileged to spend time with a group with us? of education leaders from the UK and colleagues from Apple who have given me an insight into the culture and values of the organisation. I have been inspired by what can be achieved when a collective culture and values drive behaviours and decision making. I’ve experienced moments of real revelation, contemplating how we must influence and engage with our partners to integrate technology into the prison estate. I’ve reflected on how we could create a culture which openly shares stories of success and failure, and how we should strive to ensure that all of our actions are driven with facebook: facebook.com/Novuschange twitter: @Novuschange linkedin: search Novusintentionality - Foundations and purpose. For Change www.novus.ac.uk PAGE 11.
I’ve experienced moments of real revelation, contemplating how we must influence and engage with our HMPPS partners to integrate technology into the prison estate. ”
facebook: facebook.com/Novuschange twitter: @Novuschange linkedin: search Novus - Foundations For Change PAGE 12. www.novus.ac.uk DoE award for HMYOI WETHERBY LEARNERS
earners at HMYOI Wetherby completed a landmark Curriculum Manager and Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator Janice Atack, and tutor and Duke of Edinburgh Leader, Ashley Tazzyman, worked closely with Novus LBronze Duke of Edinburgh award expedition and HMPPS colleagues to make the project a success. The experience was a in April. resoundingly positive one for the learners involved, with one learner describing it as “the nearest I’ve felt to being free since I’ve been here” and another saying he had This was the first time the expedition has been fully completed in the YOI’s “learned skills that will help me on the out”. grounds. To fulfil the award criteria, expeditions are typically completed through ROTL, so this success story is a useful blueprint that could be rolled out to Duke of Edinburgh was introduced to three YOIs and a secure training centre (STC) other prisons. around two years ago and this group of five learners represents an important milestone in Novus offering a programme available to all and achievable on site. The five participants worked incredibly hard to complete the four sections of the award during their time in Wetherby. They took part in volunteering, physical and Jez Allsup, Duke of Edinburgh Operations Officer, said: “This is a massive skills-based activities, and expedition training to ensure they met the 20 core achievement both for the participants and Novus staff, so they should all be proud. conditions of the award. Following this, they completed a two-day expedition Programme delivery within YOIs comes with added hurdles all of which have been around the grounds of the prison that included camping out and cooking their crossed by everyone concerned. The Duke of Edinburgh transforms lives and we own food. are delighted to have the support of Novus to give more young people a better chance to lead a more productive and fulfilled adult life.”
Professor Ma attends the art class around every six weeks to deliver interesting, informative and engaging talks about the science world to the learners. Some previous talks include Engineering against Nature - The Sinking of Venice and UNIVERSITY the Tower of Pisa; AI – Artificial Intelligence; Benford’s Law – a tantalizing and mysterious law of nature; A Capitalising Body – how the human body takes what it is given, and then maximises it; Zika virus – a new global emergency; Flu vaccine – a yearly race against time; What does it take to be human; Gene editing – a PROFESSOR SUPPORTS landmark discovery towards cutting disease, or is it? The Novus team worked with the University to put together an art exhibition of learners’ work held at St George’s University Hospital. The aim was to exhibit work that had been inspired by Professor Ma’s talks and other works produced NOVUS LEARNERS by learners in the art class. Following the success of the exhibition, the team are he art class at HMP Wandsworth has been working on a collaborative hoping to create another exhibition in the near future. Tscience and art project, ‘Inside Science’, with Professor Ma from St George’s, University of London.
facebook: facebook.com/Novuschange twitter: @Novuschange linkedin: search Novus - Foundations For Change www.novus.ac.uk PAGE 13. POSITIVE FEEDBACK FOR NOVUS ovus colleagues Nreceived good FELTHAM COURSE praise following an FOLLOWING Ofsted inspection at HMYOI Werrington, PULLS ON THE near Stoke-on-Trent. INSPECTION Ofsted rated the overall effectiveness of learning and skills and work as ‘Good’ following its latest visit in January. This included overall outcomes for learners, and the quality of teaching, training, learning and assessment. Inspectors found that strong youth work and education provision combined ART STRINGS with a culture of incentives rather than punishment had helped earners at HMP/YOI Feltham got a unique chance to experience the arts as improve standards. Lpart of a six-week course. Education and vocational training provision, contracted through Novus, Working with external organisations representing music, art and creative writing, was deemed good, and a multidisciplinary team allocated to the learners and drama, the Feltham Arts Programme promoted literacy, improved behaviour, education and skills was found to be very effective, with a strong focus on self-awareness, communication skills and building confidence. safety and the safety of others. Music charity Finding Rhythms, community project It’s Not Your Birthday But… Inspectors found that teachers and vocational instructors planned lessons and drama group Intermission Youth Theatre each devised a range of engaging and activities well, and they provided good teaching and learning, which the activities to motivate and challenge learners, as well as seeing how the arts are learners enjoyed. Most learners also made good progress against suitably relevant to them. challenging targets and tasks. OLASS Manager Tracie McCarthy said: “This course was something really different Qualification success rates had improved since the last inspection and were for learners at Feltham and gave them a great chance to stretch themselves”. high. Opportunities for learners to gain accredited vocational qualifications had also improved. The six weeks concluded with families being invited to a graduation ceremony in which learners performed Romeo and Juliet. Their families also had the The latest Oftsed report follows a similarly positive inspection at HMYOI opportunity to view their art and creative writing projects. Cookham Wood, in Kent, where achievements by Novus in education and vocational training were rated ‘Outstanding’ by inspectors. All learners received Functional Skills English qualification certificates upon completion of the course and were full of praise for their experiences. One learner Steve Byrne, Novus, Operational Lead for Youth Justice, said: “Receiving a said they were “proud of my art work”, while another enjoyed “the fact you work ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted is a great achievement and a real testament to the as a class” and “you get to try things you wouldn’t normally do”. Other learners hard work undertaken by Novus staff at HMYOI Werrington. developed “an understanding about music” and enjoyed that “I can express myself”. “Providing educational and vocational opportunities for learners through Novus is our passion, and we are committed to achieving and maintaining the highest standards for our learners and staff.”
ovus colleagues and learners at HMP Holme House are part of a year long Ncommunity project in the town to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the end of World War One. Learners work Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, local community groups and a wide range of organisations in the region have been working together to mark the centenary with a number of projects and events. with local In 2014, 100 years after the start of World War 1, local residents grew 1,245 sunflowers in memory of the Borough’s Great War. This year, has seen the development of Sunflower Project as people across the community get on board. Schools and colleges across the Borough are collecting recyclables, which Novus community on learners at HMP Holme House are using to create sunflowers to remember those who gave their lives. These flowers will form the basis of a moving art installation called ‘Point me to the Skies’ which will be displayed on Trinity Green in Stockton on Remembrance Sunday from dawn to dusk.
Learners on the creative writing course have also been involved in putting together WW1 CENTENARY a book of World War 1 poems. The poems and stories allow people to imagine what it must have been like to be a British soldier on the Western Front a hundred years ago.
Michelle Brown, Community Partner Co-ordinator for Novus at HMP Holme House, said: “We are delighted to be involved in a number of projects, supporting the local PROJECT community in commemorating the end of World War 1. The projects have allowed our learners to put their skills to practical use, building on what they have learnt in the classroom as well as raising awareness of the life experiences of 1246 World War One local soldiers.”
facebook: facebook.com/Novuschange twitter: @Novuschange linkedin: search Novus - Foundations For Change PAGE 14. www.novus.ac.uk MINISTER PRAISES NOVUS EMPLOYMENT EVENT AT HMYOI COOKHAM WOOD dward Argar MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Justice, met Ethe Novus team on a visit to HMYOI Cookham Wood. Mr Argar was given a tour of the site by the Governor. As part of the tour he visited the Education Training and Employment Event which was taking place in the gym. The event was organised by Neil Peake, Engagement and Resettlement Manager and his team, who brought together employers and training providers to speak to the young people. Neil met with the Minister and Governor to discuss the opportunities that have been made accessible through the event, which the Minister felt was a fantastic opportunity for young people. Mr Argar thought the event was particularly inspiring and hoped all those who attended found it to be a valuable experience. The Minister also spoke with the wider Novus team including Karen Baker, Deputy Head of Education, and Debbie Hughes, Head of Inclusion. Karen said: “He knew education was of a high quality at Cookham Wood. Debbie spoke to him about the importance of sentence planning and the key role the engagement and resettlement team play. We were also able to tell him what a good programme of peer mentoring we have at Cookham Wood and the Governor reiterated that he wanted to build on this good practice by having a mentor in each service area of the prison.” MP GETS INSIGHT INTO FIRE CADET COURSES AT
L-R: Andy Dye, Novus; Richard Burgon MP; HMYOI WETHERBY Craig Bedford, West eeds East MP Richard Burgon received an informative tour around HMYOI Yorkshire Fire and LWetherby to find out more about Novus’ Fire Cadet Course. Rescue Service The course is a national first for offender learning and was developed in partnership with Novus, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFS) and colleagues at people in custody. He was shown around by Custodial Manager Arthur Dye, Craig HMYOI Wetherby, in line with the national Fire Service community programme. Bedford from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Andy Dye, Curriculum Through partnership working, the decision was made in late 2017 to start a Fire Manager for Novus at HMYOI Wetherby and saw the fire cadets in action practicing Cadet course. The course started with the first cohort of learners in early March their drill. and the group completed an eight-week course, which culminated in a pass out While at the prison, Richard took the opportunity to extend the tour to look at the parade. vocational training provision run by Novus. He spoke with the young fire fighters Parents and organisations involved in setting up the course were invited into and was also keen to increase his knowledge of what the education provision Wetherby to celebrate their success and the young cadets were able to showcase has to offer young people in custody in terms of helping them to change their the skills and techniques they had learnt on the course. behaviour. Following the success of the first course, local Leeds MP and Shadow Secretary Andy said: “The course has been a huge success with the young people and we of State for Justice, Richard Burgon was invited to find out more about the were delighted to welcome Richard to the prison. He was very impressed with the partnership between Novus and WYFS and how this is helping to support young Fire Cadet programme and the vocational education we offer at Wetherby.”
facebook: facebook.com/Novuschange twitter: @Novuschange linkedin: search Novus - Foundations For Change www.novus.ac.uk PAGE 15. ‘GARETH’ IS BACK ON TRACK THANKS TO NOVUS ‘Gareth’ arrived at Rainsbrook secure training centre (STC) with a selection of GCSE’s including an A* in ICT, A in Music, B in Business Studies and C in maths.
He achieved Level 1 Literacy and Level 2 Numeracy in his tests, and consistently engaged with Novus education provision during his time at the STC, which is run by MTCnovo.
Rugby School’s housemaster Andy Chessell, right, with a group of Described as a polite, respectful and a hard working young man, Gareth achieved students who visited Rainsbrook secure training centre. a number of qualifications with Novus including Business Enterprise – Introduction (Credit: ANDREW FOX FOR THE TIMES) to Business and Enterprise, NCFE Level 1 and Level 2 Occupational Studies for the Workplace, PE Level 1 and 2, and Level 2 ICT – Word Processing.
As a result, Gareth secured an interview at college for an Apprenticeship in Improving Operational Performance-PEO, and was scheduled to attend a follow up RUGBY SCHOOL AND RAINSBROOK STC interview once released.
Thanks to his commitment to education and involvement with Novus, Gareth is now on track to study at the college and gain employment with a rail company upon TWO GROUPS OF release. Gareth said: “I am enjoying the pathway that I attend and I am happy with the LEARNERS, ONE support that has been available to me from the education department.” REWARDING VENTURE A new outlook ugby School and Rainsbrook from all the children and young people Rsecure training centre (STC) have involved is inspiring. They really want to formed an unlikely partnership, which do it – and I’m delighted that they have benefits both groups of learners. the opportunity to do so.” Once a week a group of pupils “We think our work with Rainsbrook ON EDUCATION from Rugby School visit Rainsbrook is the first in the country where pupils STC as part of a project to help the are working with trainees,” says Andy children and young people to develop Chessell, Rugby School’s housemaster their literacy skills through one-to- and former artistic director. He one support in library sessions and describes the programme as dynamic creativity skills in drama workshops. and wonderful. “We’re not there to FOR ‘ALICE’ Many of the children and young people be exploitative or voyeurs, we’re just ‘Alice’ had sat her GCSEs in the community and gained C grade in English and have low literacy skills and this project there to create work together. It’s F grade in maths, which she was keen to improve while at Rainsbrook secure is one of a number of ways Novus pupil-led work — they build bonds training centre (STC). supports them to develop their reading and relationships and find common and writing. ground. We absolutely believe in the Alice began working towards her NCFE Level 2 in Business and Enterprise and transformational power of drama successfully ran a business selling food around Rainsbrook STC, even pitching The project also plays a key role and art.” her idea to the MTCnovo centre director, who work alongside Novus to help and in developing their social and support the young people. She had extra support from her tutors to build her interpersonal skills. This can be through MTCnovo, who run the centre are fully confidence in maths, and sat her Entry Level 3 Functional Skills exam shortly opportunities for some of the children supportive of the partnership and work after arriving. She then gained her Level 1. and young people to show the pupils with Novus to help support the young from Rugby School around their living people involved. To date between 100 Following several meetings with a careers advisor, Alice decided to pursue a quarters and explain a day in their life and 200 children and young people career in Hospitality and Catering, so completed her Barista training while at the as a young person in Rainsbrook STC, have taken part in the project and centre. She also attended an interview before her release for an apprenticeship or simply through their interactions the positive impact of the project can in her local area, which gave her valuable interview experience and knowledge during the day. be seen not only through improving of what was available to her in the community. She is now continuing to literacy levels, but in the behaviour of pursue her dream of an apprenticeship in Hospitality and Catering using the Kate Bulyka, Head of Education for the children and young people. employability skills she developed at Rainsbrook STC. Novus at Rainsbrook STC, said: “This is a really positive partnership and Kate added: “The children and young Melissa Jacques, Engagement and Resettlement, Rainsbrook secure training one we value for the benefits it gives people love having visitors and look centre, said: “Alice stated in a recent review that she had enjoyed meeting new to the children and young people at forward to any opportunity to speak to, people and experiencing new things while at the centre” Rainsbrook. The buzz around the and see, new people.” education centre every Wednesday,
facebook: facebook.com/Novuschange twitter: @Novuschange linkedin: search Novus - Foundations For Change PAGE 16. www.novus.ac.uk THORN CROSS LEARNERS HELP TO TRANSFORM THE VETERANS’ GARAGE earners from HMP Thorn Cross have helped military veterans by transforming • one learner (who is also a veteran) is now working with the Veterans’ Garage. Lone of the buildings at City Airport and Heliport, in Eccles. • two learners, who are joiners/builders by trade, still work with the Veterans’ The Veterans’ Garage is a not for profit charitable organisation which supports Garage and have also undertaken work for Chester Cathedral former military personnel across the North West. It is based at the original City • one learner is looking to establish a business in fitting wood burning stoves in Airport terminal and provides a venue where veterans can learn new skills, receive domestic premises on release. He is a builder/joiner by trade and has been self- support and advice, and socialise. employed in this area for many years previously. Working alongside a team of volunteers and tradesmen, the Thorn Cross learners, • one learner is considering establishing and delivering training courses who are all on Released on Temporary Licence (ROTL), used their trade skills to transform the terminal buildings into a stylish social hub and support centre Emma Guerriero, North West Innovation Project Manager, Novus, said: “I have been for veterans. involved with the Veterans’ Garage for over 12 months and watching the building being transformed by our learners and seeing their confidence grow is remarkable. They turned a tired first floor lounge, café and business area into a smart lounge, meeting room, two smaller offices (one of which is used to deliver therapy to “It gives me the opportunity to look at joint projects that will support work veterans), an IT suite and catering kitchen. experience or further qualifications for learners on ROTL. The learners received positive feedback from the Veterans Garage, who praised “It also gives the opportunity to promote the skills of the learners to other charities their high skill levels and hard work. and companies.” A spokesman said: “Without the help of learners from Thorn Cross, the transformation of the office space would have taken longer, although we have worked on this seven days a week for the past year. “The extra man power has been valuable, especially as the guys have the skills required which has been essential on the build. “We have visited a number of different establishments and seen the level of training and qualifications the guys can gain from Novus which is essential and, hopefully, we will be able to offer work experience on the next phase of the build.” A Veterans’ Garage volunteer added: “The guys are hard-working and join in with the rest of us. Hopefully, this will help them to want to build a different life for themselves when they are released.” Since leaving HMP Thorn Cross and with work experience at the Veterans’ Garage: Before After
ovus have been recognised for their pledge to Novus pledge support Nsupport the Armed Forces community and have signed the Armed Forces Covenant.
They were presented with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze Award by Lieutenant Colonel Tim Gould, Commanding Officer 156 Regiment Royal TO THE ARMED FORCES Logistic Corps at a special ceremony at Novus Head Office in Manchester. The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge that together we acknowledge and COMMUNITY understand that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve. As part of the Armed Forces Covenant, Novus has made a number of pledges to support the Armed Forces community. These include working with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) to support the employment of veterans of all ages; supporting colleagues who are members of the Reserve forces; and offering support to local cadet units. Novus Managing Director, Peter Cox, said: “We’re proud to accept the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze Award on behalf of Novus. “Signing the Armed Forces Covenant means a lot to our organisation and demonstrates our ongoing support for the Armed Forces community. We offer our support in numerous ways, these include releasing colleagues to pursue their roles as Reservists and providing employment opportunities to servicemen and women upon leaving the Armed Forces.” 156 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps is an Army Reserve unit based in Liverpool with locations in Merseyside and Greater Manchester. Lieutenant Colonel Tim Gould, Commanding Officer 156 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, said: “By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, Novus has pledged ongoing Lieutenant Colonel Tim Gould, Commanding Officer 156 Regiment support to the Armed Forces family, encompassing Veterans, Reservists, Cadet Royal Logistic Corps presents Barbara McDonough, Chief Operating Force Adult Volunteers and their employers. There is much to be gained on Officer, Novus and Peter Cox, Managing Director, Novus with the both sides from a partnership with Defence, and we look forward to further Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze Award. opportunities to collaborate in the future.”
facebook: facebook.com/Novuschange twitter: @Novuschange linkedin: search Novus - Foundations For Change www.novus.ac.uk PAGE 17.
‘Tom’ - HMP Maidstone
“To have the opportunity to set up something worthwhile and LEARNER sustainable was a very good feeling for me” I remember how glad I was when one of the Education Peer Mentor’s asked me to apply to be a Peer Mentor, when I did my induction assessment. I applied and was very glad to get this job. As my background was in learning and development, I was eager VOICE to bring my knowledge and experience to the Education At Novus, our most Department and be as effective as possible. I proposed to important and design a presentation about the infinite power of our brain and the unexpected ability to learn everything we want valued partners are that could be used in the induction process. our learners. The Novus manager and co-ordinator were very open to my suggestions and agreed with my proposal. So, I Their opinions and feedback are spent plenty of time designing a professional Powerpoint vital, and here one of them offer a presentation which we can use for the induction process and any further purposes to fascinating insight into their academic support learners. progress. ‘Learner Voice’ gives To have the opportunity to set up something worthwhile learners the opportunity to share their and sustainable was a very good feeling for me. It was the first time in prison people gave me the feeling that they success stories first hand. Submissions appreciate what I do. I was treated very respectfully and it for the next issue can be sent to was fun to talk to everbody in the department, especially to the mentor coordinator, the manager and my peer [email protected] mentor colleagues, who of course do an amazing job! Thank you very much!
Previously the women have been treated to talks from local author Sharon Shaw, author and poet Dr Debjani Chattergee MBE and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hull, Rachel Cook. Guests for the coming months will include world champion boxer Rachael NOVUS EDUCATORS Mackenzie, author Millie Johnson and ex-offenders who have gone on to successful professional careers. This most recent talk coincided with a ‘Being Yorkshire’ week of events, which celebrated the culture and history of the county. Amongst a range of activities, learners created exhibits displaying the heritage of ARE INSPIRING ON towns in the area, wrote poetry and cooked up some traditional Yorkshire food. A collection of material and items were loaned by The National Coal Mining Museum and complemented the work done by the Novus learners. David Tilley, Novus Manager at HMP New Hall, said: “The activities were embedded THE INSIDE with a different style of learning that meant that the women were gaining new skills ovus educators at HMP New Hall hosted Nancy Fielder, Editor of the Sheffield without even realising it. NStar, as the latest in a series of speakers aimed at inspiring the ladies under “Days like this show the women that they can have ambition and that they can be their tutelage to make a positive change in their life. empowered to take back control of their own lives.” Nancy spoke about empowering women and providing support and guidance that The education and support of offenders at HMP New Hall is a theme that is led can pave the way for other women to follow. from the highest level of the prison’s management. As the first female editor in the 130 year history of the Sheffield Star, her message The Deputy Governor praised the work of Novus and the prisons educators, he of empowerment found resonance with an audience of women who are in the said: “The approach we have is quite holistic and we’ve got a cracking learning and process of empowering themselves through their studies with Novus. education team. One learner said: “I loved it. Women are told you can’t do this and you can’t do “The big goal is to try and be a supportive environment.” that. We need more ‘can’ and ‘should’ in life.”
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n innovative art project is helping “It introduced the learners to using Ato engage learners with mental different types of materials to create art, health issues across prisons in the ultimately with an emphasis on reducing south east. reoffending by developing those key skills.” The project was managed by Paul Fry, Deputy OLASS Manager at HMP Paul worked closely with HMP Standford Art project Maidstone, and culminated in an Hill Tutor Nikki Denington to get the exhibition of learners’ art at the Fishslab project up and running. They have now Gallery in Kent, in association with Kent had two cohorts of learners complete Refugee Help. the project, with an impressive 20 entries into this year’s Koestler prison art provides Paul used the project to target learners charity awards. with mental health difficulties where there were opportunities to help “Nikki’s dedication and passion helped improve through motivation, social us to get those award entries and to engagement, building confidence have the learners’ work exhibited in Kent and concentration, and encouraging was the icing on the cake,” added Paul. expression and understanding. MENTAL HEALTH The art exhibition was attended by He said: “As a prison we were looking Paul, Nikki, Deputy Governor of HMP into helping our learners who have Maidstone Sam Baker and Regional difficulties with mental health and drug Safer Custody Lead FNP & IRC addiction, so we linked up with Oxleas Group Emma Baker, as well as MP for NHS Foundation Trust and the charity Whitstable Rosie Duffield and trustees SUPPORT Forward, our substance misuse provider, from Kent Refugee Help. to run this art project. NOVUS LEARNERS WOW THE LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE SET
igh quality products made by learners on Novus Heducation programmes went down a storm at this year’s The Royal Cheshire County Show and the Royal Lancashire Show. Learners at HMP Garth in Leyland, HMP Altcourse in Liverpool, and HMP Thorn Cross in Warrington produced a range of high quality and desirable items for sale, including artwork and woodwork products, clocks, lamps, and personalised dog beds. This is the second time that Novus has attended the Cheshire show, following a successful visit last year, and the first time it has set up stall at the Lancashire show. The shows are the highlight of each county’s agricultural calendar. The visits helped to highlight the work that Novus does in prisons, as well as its learner education programme. They also allowed members of the public to purchase a range of items for sale. Andrew Holland, director of Innovation North West region, said: “Visitors were really interested in the social impact of the work and education programmes, and of people in prison trying to change their lives, but they were also very impressed at the quality of the products and the high skill levels the learners needed to produce the items. “Taking part in both shows is a great way to inform the general public about what we do and for potential employers to get involved with Novus.”
facebook: facebook.com/Novuschange twitter: @Novuschange linkedin: search Novus - Foundations For Change www.novus.ac.uk PAGE 19. INNOVATIVE “anything that PROJECT decreases anxiety in a MAKES MENUS strange place ACCESSIBLE is crucial... new HMP Wakefield project to make everyday written content analytical skills. Amore accessible has won an award from the Chartered “The menu project has been developed by Institute of Education. prisoners, for prisoners, and widened the scope of outreach work to all areas of the prison, so The Mentoring Research and Development Group, comprising learners from the involving this wider community is why it has Yorkshire prison, created ‘easy read’ menus as part of a project to help make been so successful.” ” writing more accessible for their peers with low level literacy skills and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) learners. Following the roll-out of the menu, the project was presented at the Prisoners’ Education Trust The end product was a picture-based, colour-coded food menu that was rolled out Symposium this summer. It was well received in areas across HMP Wakefield. by attendees, who described it as “a real relevant and thoughtful project, well Deputy Education Manager Lindsay Battersby said: “As a group we could see that designed and including all the right people to make sure it has the desired effect.” this project had real benefits and actually helped people to have a choice. The Attendees at the symposium also said that “anything that decreases anxiety in a group itself was created to help peer mentors develop projects strange place is crucial, so the menu project is an excellent example of what can be in their own community, as well as improving their research and achieved and that induction must reflect the needs of the prisoner, not the regime.” COLLEAGUES LINE UP FOR AN AWARD the establishment, so starting at the reception and moving through the wings, through workshops, education etc and out through the gate on release. We wanted to take art out of the art room and we also wanted to try and cover the whole prison with a line of paper that had been drawn on by as many people as possible. “On the day, we started in the reception, where we got an enthusiastic contribution from the officers. In fact, one of the officers in reception actually started the line, and this encouraged others to join in - even the plumber added to it! It was great to have so many of the prison staff, as well as prisoners involved. We rarely have the opportunity for officers and prisoners to work together on a project and it was great to see. he Novus education department Tat HMP Lewes have received the “We had men shouting from their windows ‘this brightens the place up a bit’. Some Director’s Special Commendation at joined in with enthusiasm, and some were more hesitant, but the effect snowballed The Big Draw Awards for their ‘Taking a as more people were seen to take part. We were out during the day, which meant Line for a Walk’ project. This is the third we could catch people for a few moments as they went past, but we also had time the prison has taken part in The situations such as one prisoner who was in a wing and who called out instructions Big Draw Festival. to me, directing the line I was drawing ‘up, left, round in a loop.’ The theme for this year’s Festival was “The project has been a great success within the prison, with both learners and ‘Living Lines’. The team discussed how colleagues. It gave us an opportunity to reach prisoners who are not currently best to approach this, deciding on taking part in the Art classes. Learners always appreciate something different and something paper-based and not digital. those who already participate in education were very positive about the Big Draw The Art teaching team talked about event, and were keen to participate and enjoyed working on a large scale. lines and what they represented; bars, “I’d like to thank everyone involved for their enthusiasm and support. We cannot do lines of writing, continuous drawing these sorts of projects without the help and support of the prison, who really show that is automatic and ‘free’, ‘walking the they value the arts and the projects we put on. In addition, the hard work of the line’ with its connotations of conforming and not straying from the path. In the education department, particularly the art tutors, who are creative and energetic prison there is a ‘free-flow’, a time when men move between the wings and their and above all else have a sense of fun.” daily activities and the team wanted to use this idea of free-flowing to connect the Eleanor and the team will be presented with their award at a ceremony organised movement around the prison with a living line, one which grew with the addition of by The Big Draw later this year. each participant. Eleanor Le Patourel, Novus Education Manager at HMP Lewes, said: “The prison governor was keen that this might also represent the journey of a prisoner through
facebook: facebook.com/Novuschange twitter: @Novuschange linkedin: search Novus - Foundations For Change PAGE 20. www.novus.ac.uk WORLD CUP ACTIVITIES ARE COMING HOME at YOIs and HMPs s this year’s World Cup kicked off in Russia, there were a host of themed Aactivities and events taking place in YOIs and HMPs across the UK. Sport and Enrichment Coordinator James Thomas said: “Overall it has been a massive success and learners have really engaged with the good atmosphere the World Cup has created. It was also good to hear such great ideas from our teachers on site and to share best practice. Sport and the World Cup have proved to be a great vehicle to embed teaching and motivate our learners and colleagues.”
Marketing The Marketing team put together Novus-branded World Cup wall charts, which were sent and used at all of our sites.
Werrington Rainsbrook STC Trainer Nico Hughes and Curriculum Manager Ed Barnes tasked learners with Deputy Head of Education Wayne Everett organised face painting and wall displays researching the history of countries participating in the tournament and delivering themed around the World Cup, as well as learners making themed bunting. a five minute presentation on it. Cookham Wood Both sports pathways, as well as other areas in education, completed their own Teacher David Kast gave learners the chance to pick their own dream teams, with the fantasy football tournament. It involved selecting a team, incorporating maths by winning learner receiving a prize. distributing points in class, and provided the opportunity for debate, knowledge sharing and peer support. Wetherby Head of Inclusion Ben Callender and the team pulled together a number of events Nico and Ed also created a World Cup prediction game where learners had the to engage different learners. opportunity to predict each game. This was completed in line with the different stages of the tournament as it progressed, with the winning learner receiving Learners took part in a ‘Wetherby World Cup’ kit competition, with some a prize. curriculum areas covering history sessions on the World Cup.
project between Guiseley Community Foundation, Novus Aand PE staff at HMYOI Wetherby has been awarded the National League Trust Community Annual Award for the FOOTBALL most Innovative Project of 2017-18. The 12 week project, using football coaching to engage young offenders, is supported by the National League Trust, the PFA and the Premier League, and it has proved a great success. The sessions were run by former Guiseley player and current Academy Coach Danny Ellis and Community Foundation Manager Steve PROJECT WINS Taylor. Steve Byrne, Operational Lead for Youth Justice at Novus, said: “The project was a wonderful opportunity for our learners to learn new skills that will support them to turn their lives around and I’m delighted that everyone’s hard work has been NATIONAL AWARD recognised by this award.”
Learners’ real names have not been used in any of the articles featured in this issue
Novus is committed to equality of opportunity, non-discriminatory practices and supporting individual learners. This information is also available in a range of formats, such as large print or another language, on request. Novus is a trading name of LTE group.
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