HMPPS
Anyone over 18, serving a prison or community sentence, or on licence in the community can apply, as long as they are accessing the CFO3 programme. CFO3 works with people in prison or the community, helping them to address barriers which may stop them from gaining work. CFO3 can help with a range of issues, including providing training, practical support or just being someone to listen. CFO3 works with a wide variety of people and may offer specific services for a number of priority groups, including women, older people (50+), those with disabilities (including mental health) and those from minority ethnic groups.
CFO3 providers have funding available as part of their budget, which can be used to pay for specific items which may help people to secure work, training or education opportunities. This is the Discretionary Access Fund (DAF) which can be used to help overcome specific barriers to work such as travel (to an interview, to work), pay for childcare or equipment.
The DAF can also be used to increase the employability of individuals by purchasing courses/equipment etc. that may not otherwise be available. Examples could include:
If an individual in custody or serving a community sentence is interested in accessing the CFO programme, they should speak to their Probation Practitioner or someone in the prison, who will be able to make contact with the prime provider in their region. Please note: participants in the CFO programme cannot apply directly. Additional information is also available at www.co-financing.org
CFO3 will support a significant number of offenders to access mainstream opportunities until December 2023, via European Social Fund (ESF) monies. The CFO Activity Hubs project will support offenders until October 2023. HMPPS CFO delivery is branded as CFO3/CFO Activity Hubs in all regions or may be referred to locally as HMPPS ESF programme. Most Hubs are community located.
CFO3 helped me when I felt no one else could. I was going no where. It wasn't just the course, they helped me with everything.
I have been working now for two years. It's the longest I've not been in prison since I was kid. I'm not going back."