Resettling back into work made easy for ‘Nigel’

A Novus learner was able to get back on track with his career in catering on release thanks to support from his resettlement co-ordinator at HMP High Down.

The Story

‘Nigel’ had previously worked as a baker and already had the relevant qualifications for that role.  When he came to the Novus education department at HMP High Down, he was keen to enhance his qualifications and experience, and secured a role in the Late Roll cafe.

Whilst working in the Late Roll cafe, ‘Nigel’ studied for, and achieved, his NVQ Level 3 in food preparation and cooking with Novus. As he neared his release date, ‘Nigel’ met up with the Novus Senior Resettlement Co-ordinator at HMP High Down. Her role was to support ‘Nigel’ in the run up to, and after, release.  During one of their meetings ‘Nigel’ told her that he had the opportunity of a job interview upon release in the catering field, however he didn’t have the finances to provide his own equipment, clothing and other work related items, which he would need to have for this type of role.

The Resettlement Co-ordinator worked with ‘Nigel’ to complete a funding request application with a charity who support ex-offenders to enable him to purchase the equipment he would need to get back into work on release. ‘Nigel’ secured the role and is now working back in the catering industry following his release from HMP High Down.

She said: “I’m delighted that ‘Nigel’ was able to get himself back into work as soon as he was released. There are so many practical elements to finding work that many offenders struggle with, such as having the right clothing and equipment. Having got back on the job ladder, ‘Nigel’ can start to become self-sufficient, manage his finances and maintain his accommodation, which all helps to reduce the risk of him re-offending.”

Having got back on the job ladder, ‘Nigel’ can start to become self-sufficient, manage his finances and maintain his accommodation, which all helps to reduce the risk of him re-offending.