Building an ethos of partnership and responsible business
We need to be connected if we want to stop the cycle of crime – and all the dynamics need to integrate: systems, processes, and leadership, as well as the differing organisations and networks. Then with all this, it is imperative to keep individuals at the heart of this connection, if we are to change lives and positively impact society.
A disjointed history
At Atos, I am privileged to lead a social impact programme where we partner with the inspiring social impact organisation, ANTZ, to mentor prison leavers and those with challenges in society, helping them to find employment or roles contributing roles in society. This is working with our employees, our clients, and our suppliers.
A few years ago, I mentored a person who was on temporary release and preparing to leave prison and integrate back into society. Suddenly, she was moved to another prison in a different part of the country. This transition was unplanned in response to a logistical necessity, and there was no process or system in place to capture the mentor/mentee relationship, prisoner’s progress, or investment made.” At this time, there were no ‘learning passports’ for prisoners, as the focus was on the institution rather than the individual; a clear case of not joining the dots, and a lost opportunity.
The importance of a joined-up prison ecosystem
In contrast, I have worked in some truly inspirational environments where a prison director has put in place mechanisms and processes to record and recognise prisoners’ progression, such as performance awards and passports to capture vital information. However, if the processes are not supported by the appropriate systems, it is hard to sustain, no matter how good the practices are. Also, unless there is consistency between prisons, and an approach to sharing data, there will be no cohesion to support information both within the organisation and its corresponding networks. There needs to be cohesion across the differing bodies, as well as the connection made available outside, to allow a prison leaver the best possible chance to integrate into society and make positive choices to turn their lives around.
Continuing this connection to the outside world
Most people know that that the rate of re-offending is very high for the first year after leaving prison, often more than 40%. So, it is vital that the prison leaver finds their support network, and that they connect to the support that is available.
With our mentor programme we continue support at an individual level, complimenting the work carried out by probations. However, if an individual cannot easily access support, or doesn’t have the means or skills to connect, they can become digitally isolated from society. I’ve witnessed how the use of a phone, connectivity and digital skills, has literally meant the difference between making the right choice, or making the wrong decision and being sent back to prison. Prison leavers need to be equipped with both digital skills and technology to positively interact with society, especially in a shrinking economy with a cost-of-living crisis.
Exacerbated by the Pandemic and digital divide
The impact of the pandemic has amplified the challenge above. Our mentor programme supports those most vulnerable within the community, helping individuals make the right choices, and find employment. Some live in areas of poverty, where crime is rife, and where support cannot be readily accessed without technology, creating a digital divide. The latest research from Doctors Holmes and Burgess of Cambridge University, found ‘the coronavirus lockdown now risks turning the problem of digital exclusions into a catastrophe of lost education and opportunity of the UK’s poorest and most vulnerable’. As we move from the challenges of the pandemic to the challenge of economic recovery, the importance of ‘connection equality’ is imperative to address this digital divide.
We’re proud that our programme is person-centric, mapping the needs of individuals towards a positive outcome, whatever the situation. During the pandemic, ANTZ created ‘Digital Lifeline’ which enabled mentoring to continue, and digital connectivity for mentees to access online training, providing them with tools and confidence to have a positive impact on their lives and the choices they make. Connected Justice is therefore not just about a connected society and justice system; it is also about ensuring a ‘levelling up’ of both skills and connectivity.
For more details of the Atos ANTZ Mentor programme see Atos ANTZ Mentor Programme
Authors
