The Employment Development team have a mandate to develop and enhance existing resettlement procedures. They provide direct employer contact and training provider intervention. This involves engaging with employers to provide work placements and assisting with the implementation of innovative programmes that will provide support, enhanced social care, employment and learning opportunities.

Another facet of this team is to procure external funding for employment projects and up to date over £200,000 has been secured for projects such as a rent bond scheme and the upgrading of the VT Kitchen to allow training to be carried out to NVQ Level “2” standards.

New training projects are currently being implemented that will match labour market shortages and greatly improve ex-offenders’ employability; for example, construction skills, Health and Safety passport, forklift truck theory and maintenance. Future projects will include LGV Drivers’ theory test and waste management industry training.