Novus Works Supports Prison Leavers into Employment at HMP Doncaster

Research shows that securing employment after release is a key factor in breaking cycles of reoffending. Government evidence highlights the importance of interventions including employment support in reducing reoffending and strengthening community ties after custody.

Here at Novus, our Novus Works team are dedicated to supporting learners into sustainable employment. Working alongside prison and Novus colleagues and employer partners, our Novus Works team helps people nearing release from custody to explore job and training options.

By working with both the prison employment team and the wider Novus education teams, Novus Works plays an important role in identifying the right people for roles, preparing them for work and connecting them with opportunities that match their skills and goals. This approach supports learners to transition from education into meaningful work, improving their prospects after release.

Weekly Support at HMP Doncaster Departure Lounge

At HMP Doncaster, the Novus Works team is present every Thursday in the Departure Lounge to support individuals leaving the prison. This weekly service offers tailored employment and training advice, helping people understand the options available to them and what steps are needed to achieve their goals. The service works in close partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Nacro. Nacro delivers an essential service in the Departure Lounge, providing immediate practical support such as food, clothes, toiletries, phone charging, telephone access, travel guidance and a friendly face on release day.

This collaborative model ensures that learners receive joined-up support from both advice and practical partners, helping to reduce barriers on the day of release and build a foundation for success.

Planning for Success Beyond Custody

Novus Works advisers engage with learners before their release date to clarify training pathways, employment options and the practical steps needed for a positive transition. Through co-ordination with partner agencies, this early planning results in realistic release plans tailored to individual needs.

In one recent example, a learner preparing for a rail industry career received detailed guidance on available courses and requirements. Our Novus Works adviser also helped the learner to overcome practical barriers by arranging transport support and enabling attendance at training post-release.

Since leaving custody, this individual is now training in a rail engineering role, showing how effective partnership working and tailored support can lead to meaningful progress.

Supporting Practical Needs on Release Day

The Departure Lounge at HMP Doncaster also offers broader day-of-release help, including access to benefits, emergency accommodation support, probation contact assistance and transport advice. Combined with the tailored guidance provided by Novus Works, this network of support helps learners take confident steps towards stable employment and a positive future.

Novus Works remains committed to partnership working with prisons, education teams and employers to create pathways into work, helping to improve outcomes for individuals and strengthen communities.

If you are an employer who is interested in employing prison leavers, please visit our ‘Work with us’ section.