These organisations are MOL, a national provider in professional qualifications, Total People, a work based learning specialist, The Manchester College, in further education, higher education and the Apprenticeships, as well as Novus – the national justice sector organisation.  The Group is a national charitable organisation employing 5,000 people and providing education, training and employment to over 100,000 learners nationally, at over 120 locations.

It’s good to see Greater Manchester at the forefront of these developments. Novus, part of LTE group, will be looking to work closely with others to link education provision in prisons with services in the community, to support more sustainable employment opportunities for ex-offenders. 

How can we support female prisoners - There are around 3,900 women in the UK prison system and, while this appears minimal in comparison to around 80,200 men, they reflect a particular problem which needs addressing. by Annick Platt, Operations Director at Novus While no one would suggest that those who commit a crime should not be punished, the reality of the situation is that many female prisoners are vulnerable women who have not had the support that could have helped them to avoid the sort of low level crime which results in a custodial sentence.

Drawing on the expertise and experience of its five business units, further education provider The Manchester College, higher education institute UCEN Manchester, justice system education provider Novus, apprenticeship provider Total People and professional development trainer MOL, the Group will build a holistic view of how education can help ensure women have the same opportunities as their male counterparts at all stages of life.