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Nacro comments

18 Feb 2021 | By nacro Campbell Robb in The Times: Vaccinate prisoners and prison officers as soon as possible

Nacro’s Chief Executive, Campbell Robb, has written for The Times Red Box, emphasising the worsening crisis of COVID-19 in our prisons and reiterating our calls to government to keep people in the criminal justice system safe. “There are now a number of prisons where serious outbreaks of COVID-19 are causing real concern. These come amid…

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10 Feb 2021 | By nacro Nacro response to JSC report, Children & Young People in Custody (Part 2): The Youth Secure Estate & Resettlement

The Justice Select Committee has, today, released the second part of its report into children and young people in custody, focusing on ‘The Youth Secure Estate and Resettlement’. This second report follows the publication, in November 2020, of the Committee’s initial report on ‘Entry into the Youth Justice System’. Today’s report reiterates the fall in…

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09 Feb 2021 | By nacro National Apprenticeship Week 2021: From Apprentice to Assistant Principal

Simon’s journey with Nacro began almost 13 years ago as an apprentice at our Boston Education & Skills Centre. Since then, he’s witnessed the development of our education provision and worked his way up to assistant principal of Nacro Education. This National Apprenticeship Week, he tells his story and reveals how apprenticeships can open doors…

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25 Jan 2021 | By nacro Nacro for Inside Time: We can’t stand idly by as prison leavers are left homeless

In the midst of a third national lockdown, with COVID-19 cases skyrocketing and temperatures plummeting, the issue of rough sleeping has shot to the top of the news agenda. The Government’s ‘Everyone In’ Scheme – implemented in response to the first wave of the pandemic – was a real success story, supporting approximately 33,000 people,…

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21 Jan 2021 | By nacro Nacro response to the new Department for Education ‘Skills for Jobs’ White Paper

In response to the new Education White Paper, Lisa Capper, Director of Education & Skills, commented: “For many young people, traditional educational pathways just don’t work, so we are pleased that the role of independent training providers is recognised in today’s announcement in delivering apprenticeships, but importantly also through their valuable role in delivering Study…

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15 Jan 2021 | By nacro COVID-19 VACCINE: Nacro calls for prisons not to be forgotten

The latest official monthly statistics1 show a sharp increase of 65% in Covid-19 infections in prisons across the country, and a 51% rise in deaths related to the disease. Leading social justice charity Nacro is calling on the government to ensure that all staff working in prisons are treated as a priority for vaccination. In…

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01 Dec 2020 | By nacro Investing in yet more prison places is not the way to cut crime – Nacro CEO Campbell Robb in The Guardian

With the dismaying announcement that the government plans to fund 18,000 more prison places by 2026, we are forced to ask, once again, why crime prevention fails to get the same emphasis as punishment. Last Wednesday, the chancellor announced more than £4bn in capital funding – spread over four years – largely dedicated to funding…

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25 Nov 2020 | By nacro Nacro response to Government announcement of 2020 Spending Review

In response to today’s Spending Review announcement, Campbell Robb, Nacro Chief Executive, commented: “Almost half of people released from prison reoffend within a year. Today’s announcement of funding for an additional 18,000 prison places will do nothing to tackle the scourge of reoffending, which is why we are calling on the Government, in the coming…

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12 Nov 2020 | By nacro Nacro response to JSC report, Children & Young People in Custody (Part 1)

The Justice Committee, today, has released its report ‘Children and Young People in Custody, Part 1: Entry into the youth justice system’, off the back of its inquiry into ‘Children and Young People in the Youth Justice System’, launched in July 2019. Responding to the ‘changing demands on the youth justice system’, the report highlights…

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28 Oct 2020 | By nacro How can our justice system cope with a COVID-19 second wave?

By Sam Julius, Public Affairs & Campaigns Officer Faced with a COVID-19 resurgence, as case numbers, hospital admissions and deaths all continue to rise, it is time for the Government to act by implementing – or extending – several key policies in order to reduce the impact of the virus on those in contact with…

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23 Oct 2020 | By nacro 2nd COVID-19 Wave: Keeping people in the criminal justice system safe

Earlier this year at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic we set out some calls to Government to ensure that people in the criminal justice system were kept safe and risk of harm was reduced. As the 2nd wave of the pandemic hits and the country goes into different stages of lockdown, we need to…

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14 Oct 2020 | By nacro Nacro response to Ministry of Justice plans to reduce reoffending

In response to Ministry of Justice plans to “reduce reoffending”, Nacro Chief Executive Campbell Robb said: “It is welcome news that the government intends to focus on rehabilitation and to set ambitious targets to monitor that for people leaving prison, the key elements are in place to reduce reoffending – a home, a job and…

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16 Sep 2020 | By nacro Nacro response to Ministry of Justice’s Sentencing White Paper

In response to Ministry of Justice’s Sentencing White Paper, Nacro Chief Executive Campbell Robb said: “Some welcome announcements today on criminal records and a focus on education and substance misuse but these are outweighed by the pressure that longer sentences will put on an already stretched system and the need for fundamental reform. “With a…

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20 Aug 2020 | By nacro Nacro learners celebrate GCSE results successes

Our students who attend our Education and Skills Centres have achieved incredible results despite personal barriers and the challenges of learning during a pandemic.. we are so proud of their hard work and determination. Those who have to re-sit their GCSE exams in English and maths receive excellent tailored support from our experienced and skilled…

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28 Jul 2020 | By nacro Nacro comments on the Justice Select Committee report on the impact of COVID-19 on prisons

Nacro was a key contributor to the Justice Committee’s session on: Coronavirus (COVID-19): The impact on prisons. The Committee has released a report on this session and will now launch an inquiry into ongoing reforms. Read the report here. Prison Regime Changes We agree that continuing to lock people in their cells for 23 hours a day is…

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21 Jul 2020 | By nacro Nacro featured in the Justice Select Committee report on the impact of COVID-19 on probation

Nacro was a key contributor to the Justice Committee’s session on: Coronavirus (COVID-19): The impact on probation systems. The Committee has released a report on this session and will now launch an inquiry into ongoing reforms in the service. Nacro’s External Engagement Director, Helen Berresford who attended the session, comments: “We are pleased to see the Committee recognise that…

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08 Jul 2020 | By nacro Nacro response to HMI Probation Thematic Inspection report on accommodation support for prison leavers

In response to HMI Probation Accommodation Thematic Inspection report which found that a lack of housing is jeopardising public protection and rehabilitation of offenders, Nacro Chief Executive Campbell Robb said: “This report hits the nail on the head. For far too long the scandal of people leaving prison homeless with little chance to turn their…

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11 Jun 2020 | By nacro Nacro response to MoJ announcement of reunification of probation service

In response to today’s announcement, Campbell Robb, Nacro Chief Executive, commented: “We are delighted that the Government has recognised the value of a unified probation service after the fragmentation and failed reform of recent years. With this change must come a renewed commitment to the vital support charities of all sizes deliver, hand in hand…

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14 May 2020 | By nacro Flexibility, persistence and moving forward

Blog post about how Coronavirus has impacted on our justice teams

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15 Apr 2020 | By nacro Nacro gives evidence on the impact of COVID-19 at remote Justice Select Committee

At yesterday’s first ever remote Justice Select Committee, Helen Berresford, Director of External Engagement, gave evidence on how people leaving prison should be supported during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and the need for longevity in planning beyond COVID-19. A panel of experts remotely attended the committee on the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on prison, probation…

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23 Mar 2020 | By nacro Nacro: COVID-19 and keeping people in the criminal justice system safe  

At Nacro we believe that in these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever to support those caught up in the criminal justice system, both in prison and on release. While there has been much immediate focus on how to manage the prison estate, for those whose release date is coming up, reintegrating into…

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12 Feb 2020 | By nacro Nacro response to HMIP children in custody report

In response to the HM Inspectorate of Prisons annual report regarding experiences of children in custody, Nacro Chief Executive, Campbell Robb, said: “As a society we cannot stand by any longer as report after report highlights the wholly unacceptable conditions that children in custody are facing. Not only are these conditions inhumane, they are ineffective…

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11 Feb 2020 | By nacro Nacro response to new corporate partnership with Society for Education and Training (SET)

Nacro becomes Society for Education and Training Corporate Partner The Society for Education and Training (SET) is welcoming staff at Nacro, a national social justice charity with more than 50 years’ experience of changing lives, building stronger communities and reducing crime, as SET members. Nacro has signed a Corporate Partnership with SET – the professional…

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21 Jan 2020 | By nacro Nacro response to HM Inspectorate of Prisons report on separation in YOIs

Campbell Robb, Chief Executive of Nacro, comments in response to the HM Inspectorate of Prisons report ‘Separation of children in young offender institutions’: The findings in this report are deeply disturbing. It is wholly unacceptable that children are unable to access the basics of everyday life, including a daily shower and telephone call, and simply…

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19 Dec 2019 | By nacro Nacro’s comment in response to the Queen’s Speech

Campbell Robb, Chief Executive of Nacro, comments in response to the Queen’s Speech: The announcement in today’s Queen’s Speech to send more people to prison and for longer must be backed up with a commitment and investment in rehabilitation and reducing reoffending. This means giving people the essentials they need as they leave prison to…

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16 Dec 2019 | By nacro Nacro response to Ofsted inspection report for Medway Secure Training Centre

In response to the publication of the Ofsted inspection report for Medway Secure Training Centre (STC), Nacro Chief Executive, Campbell Robb, said: “We are incredibly proud of the role Nacro education staff have played in helping children at Medway STC progress in education and get on a pathway to success. As recognised in the inspection…

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02 Dec 2019 | By nacro Nacro’s comment in response to Friday’s tragic events in London

Campbell Robb, Chief Executive of Nacro, comments in response to Friday’s tragic events in London: Following the tragic events in London Bridge last Friday, our first thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones and all those affected. People’s search for answers will understandably continue for some…

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05 Nov 2019 | By nacro Nacro response to analysis of youth justice system figures

In response to recent analysis of youth justice system figures, Nacro Chief Executive, Campbell Robb, said: “These shocking re-offending rates show how broken our youth justice system is. With over 40% of young people that are convicted or cautioned reoffending within one year, it is clear we need to change our approach and recognize there…

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04 Nov 2019 | By nacro Nacro response to MoJ’s announcement about tough new security measures in prisons

In response to the MoJ announcement regarding UK prisons set to receive innovative security investment, Nacro Chief Executive, Campbell Robb, said: “With record high levels of self harm and violence within our prisons, investment to improve security and tackle smuggling is essential, but it is not the only solution we need to truly tackle crime…

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25 Oct 2019 | By nacro Nacro response to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Knife Crime, ‘Back to School?’

In response to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Knife Crime, ‘Back to School?’ Nacro Chief Executive, Campbell Robb, said: “Young people at risk of school exclusion and offending often have a complex set of social, emotional, psychological and educational back-stories that require tackling head-on to prevent a downward spiral, and we know that 85% of…

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14 Oct 2019 | By nacro Nacro response to today’s Queen’s Speech

In response to the Queen’s Speech today, Nacro CEO Campbell Robb commented: “We all share the aim of reducing crime and reducing the number of victims of crime. However, the sentencing proposals in today’s Queen’s speech do nothing to tackle this. “Over three quarters of all crimes that result in a caution or sentence are…

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11 Oct 2019 | By nacro Nacro response to the new Offender Accommodation Pilot announcement

In response to the new Offender Accommodation Pilot announcement, Nacro Chief Executive Campbell Robb said: “The people we support upon release from prison so often face an impossible struggle to make a fresh start, held back by homelessness, a lack of health support, job opportunities or sufficient money to get food and basics to survive….

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08 Oct 2019 | By nacro Nacro response to HMI Prisons and Probation report on how children leaving custody are being “set up to fail”

In response to HMI Prisons and Probation report on youth resettlement, stating that children leaving custody are being “set up to fail” through lack of support, Nacro Chief Executive, Campbell Robb, said, “It is simply unacceptable that little has changed since the last HMI Prisons and Probation report on youth resettlement published in 2015, which…

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12 Sep 2019 | By nacro Nacro response to MHCLG figures regarding the number of households in temporary residence

In response to Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) figures regarding the number of households in temporary residence, Nacro Chief Executive, Campbell Robb, said: “This shocking rise in homeless households must drive further Government action. With evidence that the National Probation Service, responsible for prison leavers, has made the most homeless referrals, we can no…

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09 Sep 2019 | By nacro Nacro response to HMI Probation FOI figures

In response to MoJ figures regarding homelessness amongst people leaving prison, Nacro Chief Executive, Campbell Robb, said: “These shocking figures reveal the unacceptable scale of the challenge people leaving prison face to get their lives back on track. The people we support upon release from prison too often face an impossible struggle to turn away…

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13 Aug 2019 | By nacro Nacro response to the £100 million government investment to tackle crime

In response to £100 million government investment to tackle crime within prisons, Nacro Chief Executive, Campbell Robb, said: “With record high levels of self harm and violence – investment to improve security within our prisons is important but it is not the only solution we need to truly tackle reoffending. We also need urgent investment…

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13 Aug 2019 | By nacro Nacro featured in The Guardian about homelessness upon release and reoffending

The article contains a case study of Nacro service user, Phillip, who began using our substance misuse project in 2017. He was formerly a prolific offender, who was homeless on several occasions after being released from custody: “If I had come out and gone into a proper place to stay, I could’ve started fresh and…

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11 Aug 2019 | By nacro Nacro response to the Prime Minister’s plans to increase prison places and police stop and search

Nacro Chief Executive, Campbell Robb said: “We all share the same aim of reducing crime and reducing the number of victims of crime. But increasing prison places isn’t the answer. “Over three quarters of all crimes that result in a caution or sentence are repeat offences often committed by people that have already been to…

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08 Aug 2019 | By nacro Nacro response to HMI Prison and Probation Youth Resettlement report

In response to the HMI Prison and Probation report, Nacro Chief Executive, Campbell Robb, said: “When young people go into prison they are swept into a current they can feel powerless to escape, and, all too often when they leave, they’re not being given the best chance to lead a different life. “We cannot afford…

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26 Jul 2019 | By nacro Nacro response to Department for Education pupil exclusions in England figures

In response to Department for Education pupil exclusions in England figures, Nacro Chief Executive, Campbell Robb, said: “Pupils at risk of being excluded from school are often facing vulnerabilities such as poor mental health, family breakdown and poverty. For the numbers of pupils being excluded to reach a decade high, leaves some of our most…

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26 Jul 2019 | By nacro Nacro response to the Safety in Custody figures released by Ministry of Justice

In response to the latest Ministry of Justice Safety in Custody figures, Nacro Chief Executive, Campbell Robb, said: “For many people, the experience of going into prison is traumatic and disruptive, and can come on top of an existing mental health condition. These unprecedented figures tell a story of a broken prison system. It simply is…

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23 Jul 2019 | By nacro Nacro response to the National Partnership Agreement

In response to the announcement of the National Partnership Agreement between MoJ, HMPPS and DWP* for employment and welfare support, Nacro Chief Executive, Campbell Robb, said: “At Nacro, we want to see people in contact with the justice system given the best possible chance to move forward. Planning for a fresh start upon release from…

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15 Jul 2019 | By nacro Nacro response to proposed criminal record reforms

Nacro Chief Executive, Campbell Robb, said: “It is not right for people that may have made a mistake during their youth to be penalised for forever. Nor for so many people who are desperate to move on and build a better life to find themselves shut out of the job market. We need to give…

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12 Jul 2019 | By nacro Nacro response to the prison incentives system announcement

Nacro Chief Executive, Campbell Robb, said: “Giving governors the freedom to increase time for inmates to take part in education and work programmes, as well as recreational activities, is a vital step in the right direction. To tackle stubborn reoffending rates once and for all, we need a relentless focus upon rehabilitation from the moment…

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10 Jul 2019 | By nacro Nacro response to the HM Chief Inspector of Prisons annual report

Nacro has responded to the HM Chief Inspector of Prisons annual report, which was published here yesterday. Campbell Robb, Chief Executive at Nacro, said: “Shockingly high levels of self harm, drug abuse and suicide highlighted in this report once again show that our current prison system isn’t working. In many cases, our prisons are not helping to…

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13 Jun 2019 | By nacro Nacro response to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs report

Nacro has responded to the release of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs report, which was published here yesterday.  Helen Berresford, Director of External Engagement at Nacro, said: “In Nacro’s experience, being released on a Friday can make an already difficult day almost impossible and increases the possibility of people reoffending. The first…

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28 May 2019 | By nacro Nacro response to change in rules to increase day release from prison

We welcome efforts to increase the use of Release on Temporary Licence (RoTL), which plays an important role in improving resettlement for people coming out of prison. Having a job, somewhere to live and family and community connections are all known to reduce the risk of someone reoffending on release. Release on temporary licence is…

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09 Apr 2019 | By nacro Nacro comments on the importance of work placements for people leaving prison

In response to reports of the importance of work opportunities to prison leavers, Helen Berresford, Director of External Engagement comments: At Nacro, we support over 30,000 vulnerable and disadvantaged people every year, many with complex needs, including those at different stages of contact with the criminal justice system. We have seen first-hand that having a…

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03 Apr 2019 | By nacro Nacro’s response to the Justice Committee prison population report

In response to the Justice Committee prison population report, Nacro Chief Executive, Jacob Tas, said: “Today’s report from the Justice Select Committee rightly highlights that staffing shortages and other disruptions have severely undermined the delivery of rehabilitative services in prisons. We set out in our evidence the real impact this has on our staff’s ability…

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28 Mar 2019 | By nacro Nacro response to the publication of the HMI Probation report

In response to the publication of the HMI Probation report, Nacro Chief Executive, Jacob Tas, said: “As we anticipate government plans for probation reform, today’s report from the Chief Inspector of Probation, Dame Glenys Stacey, underlines the urgent need for a step change in the way that probation services are delivered across the country. “Thousands…

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