Novus welcomes MPs’ recommendations on reducing reoffending

The House of Commons Justice Committee highlights the importance of prison education.

Prison education provider Novus has welcomed a new report on rehabilitation by MPs, which recognises the crucial role education plays in breaking the cycle of reoffending.

The report by the Justice Committee, titled Ending the cycle of reoffending – part one: rehabilitation in prisons, follows an inquiry which Novus submitted extensive evidence to, drawing on its expertise in working in almost 50 prisons and Young Offender Institutions. Novus was the only education provider invited to give oral evidence to the Committee, and the report makes several references to the information which it provided.

The report acknowledges that “prison education is already underfunded when compared to provision in the community”, and calls on the Government to “publish a clear plan, with an associated funding allocation, to improve both participation and quality in prison education”.

Novus’ National Operations Director Annick Platt, who gave oral evidence to the Committee in March, said: “We were pleased to have the opportunity to offer guidance and insight to the Committee based on our extensive work in prisons over more than three decades.

“The report highlights our evidence on important challenges such as supporting neurodiverse learners and ensuring that all learners have the opportunity to access education provision. The Committee makes sensible recommendations on how to improve rehabilitation by investing in and prioritising prison education.

“Given the current political focus on provision for young people in custody, it is welcome that the Committee report shines a light on Novus Gower’s work at HMP/YOI Parc, including our approach to engagement strategies for younger learners and offering progression routes designed to provide them with the skills and experience they need to find sustainable employment after their release.”