New fund to tackle re-offending

New fund to tackle re-offending

News (UK)

The Cabinet Office Centre for Social Action has announced that the Rehabilitation Social Action Fund is now open for applications. Up to £3.5 million will be available to fund grants of between £50,000 and £250,000.

The Cabinet Office will be looking for applications from organisations with a strong business case for scaling up a well tested social action programme. Applicants will need to have been running a programme to support adult offenders for at least two years. Organisations will be supported to develop scale over the 18-month grant period. It will also give grant recipients the opportunity to invest in demonstrating the impact of social action as an effective tool to reduce reoffending, drawing in expertise from research specialists where needed.

The Fund has been developed in partnership with the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and the National Offender Management Service (NOMS). The MOJ has emphasised the important role voluntary and community organisations play in the rehabilitation of offenders in their strategy to deliver the Rehabilitation Programme.  The Fund will support them to scale up, build evidence of impact and develop sustainable business models in order to engage with future commissioners, funders and contractors.

Nick Hurd MP, Minister for Civil Society said: “The voluntary sector can play a hugely important role in helping offenders get back on track, which is why we are working with the Ministry of Justice to ensure that their transforming rehabilitation agenda captures the full value of the sector. We know a trusted mentor and volunteer can make a huge difference to someone coming out of prison.”

  • Government, legal and tax issues
  • UK