How we manage offenders
Reducing re-offending performance
Reducing re-offending is a key NOMS priority and we invest considerable resources in supporting the government’s cross-departmental strategy to reduce re-offending. David Hanson MP has overall responsibility for helping NOMS achieve the commitments set out under the government’s Public Service Agreement targets.
Inter-Ministerial Group to reduce re-offending
In early 2006 an inter-ministerial group was established to drive the government’s cross-departmental strategy to reduce re-offending. It focuses on addressing overall strategic issues and aims to promote good practice and provide solutions to issues preventing progress. The IMG is made up of ministers from 11 government departments including the Home Office, Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, Department for Children, Schools and Families, Department for Work and Pensions, Department for Communities and Local Government and the Department of Health.
Delivering a reduction in re-offending requires NOMS to work across government to engineer a fundamental transition from offender to citizen.
Some of the main challenges the IMG looks to make a difference to are:
- increasing the skills base employability of ex-offenders
- increasing employment
- preventing homelessness
- improving offender health.
The IMG is also responsible for reducing youth re-offending which is led by the Youth Justice Board (new window).
A National Programme Board supports the Inter-Ministerial Group and is chaired by NOMS Chief Executive Helen Edwards.
This Programme Board includes key NOMS directors, the HMPS Director General and the Chief Executive of the Youth Justice Board. There is Director level representation from key government departments including the wider Ministry of Justice to ensure a joined up approach to the shared goal of reducing re-offending.
The Programme Board is supported by a number of inter-departmental sub-boards. For example, there is a specific board responsible for taking forward work on the Skills and Employment pathway which is jointly led by DIUS and DWP.
Regional Reducing Re-offending Partnership Boards are now in place in every region. Their purpose is to develop and deliver regional reducing re-offending plans to support the delivery of the national strategy.
