The Robertson Trust Why Involve the Third Sector

The Robertson Trust Why Involve the Third Sector in Reducing Reoffending: An Evidence Review Joanna Mc. Laughlin, The Robertson Trust

Background l The Scottish Third Sector Research Forum produces a series of papers that demonstrate the role that the third sector can play in delivering services that meet service users needs. l Sub Group of the Forum setup to consider the third sectors role in delivering criminal justice services and the impact these can have on reducing reoffending.

Aims and Objectives l The paper aims to address the lack of understanding about what the third sector contributes to the reducing reoffending agenda and why it is effective within this area. l Aims to identify challenges and barriers that limit the third sector’s effectiveness within this area. l Designed to feed into the Scottish Government’s Reducing Reoffending Programme and their Review of Criminal Justice Funding.

Methodology l The paper is based on a rapid review of literature and evidence from third sector initiatives that reduce reoffending. l A series of case studies were used to provide an overview of the different roles that third sector organisations play in reducing reoffending and the range of people they support l Challenges faced: - Difficult to draw clear conclusions about ‘what works’ in reducing reoffending. - A relatively limited evidence base within the area with the majority of initiatives not having undergone robust review.

The Third Sector and Reducing Reoffending l A significant number of third sector organisations work with offenders in Scotland. l These organisations address a range of issues including health, housing, substance misuse, literacy, employability, family relationships, finance, independent living and attitudes and behaviours. l Often offer services that are otherwise being unmet by the public sector.

Key Findings l Key characteristics of the third sector that make it effective in delivering services that reduce reoffending include its: - Responsiveness and flexibility - Innovation - Connectivity and Community Assets - Focus on Partnership Working - Trust and Relationship with Service Users

Responsiveness and Flexibility l Sector is largely free from bureaucratic processes and able to be more flexible than the public sector in its approach. l Able to put offenders needs at the centre of the services they deliver and tailor their services around an offender’s specific needs. l Have a high level of service user involvement enabling them to stay informed of the issues affecting offenders and adapt their service in respond to changing needs.

Innovation l The third sector is able to be creative and innovative in its ways of working. l Through their close working relationship with clients, third sector organisations can identify unmet need in current service provision and develop new approaches to working with offenders. l Learning from approaches that prove successful can be shared with other service providers and may later be adopted as standard practice.

Connectivity and Community Assets l Many third sector organisations have strong roots in local communities. Their knowledge and understanding of these communities enables offenders to stay connected during their time in prison and helps reintegration upon their release. l Third sector organisations often provide the only point of continuity for offenders when they leave prison. Through the gate services that bridge the gap between prison and community can be highly effective in reducing the likelihood of reoffending.

Partnership Working l Third sector organisations can strengthen and develop links between statutory and third sector provision. l Through offering additional support to offenders, third sector organisations can help improve the effectiveness of public sector services. l These organisations’ ability to work across organisational silos enable offenders to receive joined-up support from multiple agencies.

Trust and Relationships l Third sector organisation’s sole focus is on meeting the needs of their service users. l Offenders may find it easier to trust third sector organisations and to develop the close relationships with staff needed for them to engage with services. l The non-judgemental, committed and respectful approach taken by third sector organisations can be effective in helping offenders to engage with criminal justice services who would not normally do so.

Challenges and Barriers l Challenging funding environment for third sector organisations l Competition within the Third Sector l Unequal Relationship between the Third Sector and the Public Sector

Conclusions and Looking Ahead l Third sector organisations can play a significant role in helping to reduce reoffending and have particular attributes that make them uniquely placed to support offenders. l Increased awareness is needed of the impact that third sector organisations make in reducing reoffending and improved funding models are needed to maximise third sector’s contribution within this area. l A larger evidence base will help the third sector to better demonstrate the value of their services and identify areas where more work is required.

The full report is available to read at http: //www. therobertsontrust. org. uk/ index. php/publicationstemp/offender s-and-their-families/ For more information, please contact Joanna Mc. Laughlin at Joanna@therobertsontrust. org. uk