What is Recidivism?

Recidivism, otherwise known as ‘reoffending’ refers to “the act of continuing to commit crimes even after having been punished”. In order for prisoners to be successfully rehabilitated upon release, they need to engage in interventions and programmes whilst in prison. 

At Novus, we work with learners of various abilities, in prisons across England and Wales to reduce recidivism rates and ensure learners are equipped with the skills and qualifications needed to thrive upon release.

However, with some prisoners reoffending on release, it’s important to understand why they reoffend, what recidivism is and why reducing recidivism rates is important for prisoners and the community. 

What is recidivism? 

As mentioned above, recidivism is when a prisoner continues to commit crime once released from prison. According to the reoffending statistics released by the Government, the overall proven recidivism rate is 26.4% and over 56% of prisoners who are serving sentences of less than 12 months will go on to reoffend. 

In the UK, reducing recidivism rates is a priority so that learners can be successfully rehabilitated and avoid going back to prison as well as benefiting the community both financially and socially.

Whilst in prison, it is crucial that prisoners engage in the rehabilitation programmes available so that they can address the root cause of their behaviours and gain the skills, knowledge and qualifications needed to be successful upon release, thus reducing the recidivism rates. 

What affects recidivism rates?

There are many factors than can cause recidivism: 

Lack of a supportive environment

Unstable housing - Homelessness or unstable living conditions can increase the likelihood of reoffending. 

Limited family or social support – Weak family relationships or lack of positive relationships can leave individuals feeling isolated and alone. Without the right support and encouragement from family and friends, it can cause individuals to relapse into criminal behaviour. 

Economic and employment challenges

Unemployment – Prisoners may find it difficult to find work upon release, leading them to reoffend.

Lack of education – Having no qualifications and a limited skillset, may limit job opportunities, contributing to a cycle of reoffending.

Poverty – Being financially unstable can push individuals to reoffend to meet their needs. 

Pyschological and behavioural factors

Substance abuse and mental health issues – Untreated substance abuse and/or mental health issues can impair decision-making and increase vulnerability causing individuals to reoffend.

All of the above factors can cause prisoners to reoffend upon release, if not addressed. In order to support learners and reduce recidivism rates, we must tackle the issues that they could potentially face upon release, whilst in prison to set them up with the best possible chance of success. 

At Novus, it is our aim to ensure that all learners are equipped with everything they need to be successful upon release. Through our education provision, we tackle the main issues of reoffending so that learners can re-enter their communities with the best chance of being successfully rehabilitated. 

How education reduces recidivism

We provide prison education, training and support services to equip learners with the skills and qualifications needed to be successfully rehabilitated. 

Technical skills development through prison education

At Novus, we provide a wide curriculum offer, so that all learners, can engage in prison education in a way that suits them.  Education provides learners the opportunity to gain relevant qualifications and develop the essential skills needed to find employment upon release and be successfully rehabilitated upon release. 

Our education programmes, help learners close their skills-gaps and develop their confidence in themselves and their abilities so once released from prison, they're re-entering society as well-rounded individuals ready to give back.

 Our education offering varies in our different locations, to cater to the demands of the region, however, we offer several key courses that embed the most vital lessons. These are:

• English, maths and digital skills education
• Vocational and technical training
• Creative enrichment 

Soft skills development through prison education

Whilst having technical skills are essential to finding employment upon release, it is important that learners also obtain so called ‘softer skills’ such as communication and teamwork to successfully re-integrate into society upon release. 

Finding employment is about more than having the right qualifications and technical skills. In order for learners to find long-term employment and be successful in their job role, they also need to have transferable skills that will positively contribute to their employment.

At Novus we understand the importance of developing ‘soft skills’ and we offer a variety of education courses, training and workshops which all positively contribute to the development of learner’s soft skills.  

Strengthening family ties through prison education

Research suggests that learners who maintain positive family relationships are less likely to reoffend upon release. At Novus we provide learners the opportunity to take part in projects and initiatives that strengthen family ties, so that upon release they have the supportive environment needed to be successfully rehabilitated. 

Little Angels theatre production at HMP Risley and HMP Styal

Learners at HMP Risley and HMP Styal had the exciting opportunity to take part in the ‘Welcome’ project from the Little Angels theatre production. HOME Manchester were given the opportunity to host the ‘Welcome’ project at 12 of their community groups, giving us two of them which we ran at HMP Risley and HMP Styal.

Each site arranged a family learning day where learners could interact with their children and spend time with them during the day. On each of the family days the sites: 

• Ran and hosted the show
• Did craft activities 
• Gifted books for families to enjoy 
• Provided refreshments

Both family days were a huge success among learners and enjoyed by everyone who attended. Positive feedback was received across the board, with lots of appreciation and gratitude. One learner from HMP Styal commented positively on the experience: 

“I feel that the family day was great. My mum and 5-year-old daughter attended. The day was fun and exciting, especially for the baby, she had an amazing time”. 

Providing opportunities and events like this, helps to nurture those family relationships and maintain the connection so that upon release, learners have the support from their family. 
 

Employment support 

In order for learners to be successfully rehabilitated, they need to find employment upon release.

However, as an ex-offender finding employment opportunities can be incredibly difficult for several reasons such as stigmas associated with a criminal record, lack of education and qualifications, lack of employment support and untreated mental health conditions. 

At Novus, we aim to break down these barriers so that learners are equipped with the tools and skills needed to find employment upon release and successfully re-integrate into society.

As well as our education provision, we also offer employment support for learners, either through our Novus Works Team, Partner Employers or by working with the Prison Employment Leads. Our experienced team provide an extensive range of support to help learners develop the skills needed to find, apply and secure a job. 

Our employment support includes:

• CV guidance and advice
• Job searching and application help
• Guidance on disclosure
• Interview preparation 

Working with partner employers 

We also work with national, regional and local employers to provide more employment opportunities for learners upon release, giving learners access to real job opportunities, apprenticeships and training upon release. 

Our employer partners provide guidance on industry standards, making sure that our curriculum and training is relevant to the needs of the real world, so learners can be equipped with the most up-to-date and relevant skills needed for their chosen career path. 

Novus Works

Our Novus Works team can act as the middle ground between our learners and employer partners, creating a bridge from education to employment. 

For learners, Novus Works help to build confidence through interview practice and CV development, whilst on the employer end Novus Works help pair prison leavers with local and national businesses and help minimise the resources required to secure talent. 

Employment success at HMP Styal 

A former learner at HMP Styal successfully found employment upon release with Greene King, thanks to the education and employment support she received from Novus and Novus Works whilst in prison. 

Whilst in prison, the learner managed to gain her Barista award, Level 2 Food Hygiene and her Level 2 NVQ in Hospitality services. As well as achieving her qualifications, the learner took part in employer-led events and was motivated to accept support from Novus Works whilst working in the Bistro.

Upon release, she maintained regular contact with Novus Works and was open to all opportunities offered. She attended several job interviews, impressing all potential employers and is now employed by Greene King on a part-time basis as well as working part-time at Starbucks. Both employers are extremely impressed with her and Starbucks are now looking at progressing her in role.

The role of rehabilitation in reducing recidivism

For learners, rehabilitation is about more than just education and finding a job, it's about giving them the skills and tools to rebuild their lives.

Most learners face deep-rooted challenges that led them to offend in the first place, and without the right support in place, they can easily fall back into a cycle of crime. 

True rehabilitation goes far beyond the classroom and workplace. It also includes life skills development and social reintegration which are crucial in preventing reoffending. 

Life skills development  

Everyday tasks like cooking healthy meals, communicating effectively, or even handling conflict in a positive way are essential for independence. 

Many learners may not have learned these skills before, making life outside of prison overwhelming. Teaching problem-solving, communication, and social skills helps them adapt to life after release. 

Social reintegration 

 Rebuilding relationships and finding a sense of belonging is crucial. A strong support system, whether through strengthening learners family ties, community groups, or mentorship programmes, helps former learners stay on track.

Without this, isolation and frustration can push them back towards crime. 

Novus supporting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism

Rehabilitation isn't just about ticking boxes; it's giving people a real chance to change. 

At Novus, we take a holistic approach to reducing recidivism, providing not just education and employment opportunities, but also mental health integration, life skills training, and social reintegration support.

By addressing the root causes of reoffending, we help learners build a stable, positive future beyond prison. 

Join us in making a difference. Whether you're an employer looking to support ex-offenders, considering a career in prison education, or just want to learn more about our work, visit our website or get in touch with us today. 

Together, we can create a safer, stronger society for everyone.