Project case study - Scottish Prison Service
Providing access to training and job opportunities for rehabilitating offenders can have wide ranging and impactful benefits for the individual, their family and friends. It can also benefit wider society by reducing reoffending and therefore the financial strain on the public purse.
The A9 Dualling: Luncarty to Pass of Birnam Project provided support to people facing employment barriers created by a background of offending, both through engagement with serving prisoners and those who have completed their sentence, by offering work experience and sustainable job outcomes.
The project team worked closely with Wayne Lawson, Offender Outcomes Manager at HMP Perth, to identify suitable candiates who were approaching their date of liberation. Through close liaison, candidates received training and preparation, including Construction Skills and Competence Scheme (CSCS) accreditation whilst in prison, and dates were agreed for site placements to commence shortly after release.
Candidates attended site and completed two-week placements working in various roles within the construction team. At the end of the placement, candidates were reviewed based on their performance, with the opportunity of a direct job offer or recommendation to a partner organisation, ensuring a positive outlook for ongoing work.
The project provided work placement opportunities for six rehabilitating offenders, following which, two offers of employment were made for roles on the project.
The project team were invited to an event at HMP Perth Prison where Humza Yousaf MSP Scottish National Party, Cabinet Secretary for Justice was visiting to learn more about what the prison was doing to reduce reoffending.
The team discussed employment opportunities, placements, the prisoners obtaining CSCS accreditation whilst in prison, career talks for prisoners and the partnership model in identifying suitable candidates for placement on site.
Mr Yousaf commended the project team for their efforts in creating these opportunities.
