PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Norwich Prison: Prisoners' Release (18 April 2023)

We know that employment reduces the chance of reoffending significantly, by up to nine percentage points. The Boards are part of our plans to improve prison leavers’ employment outcomes and build stronger links with employers.

I am grateful to James Timpson for his support in setting up the Boards, as well as to business leaders from household names such as Lotus Cars at HMP Norwich, Greggs at HMP Kirklevington Grange and TalkTalk at HMP Thorn Cross for stepping up to the challenge of chairing them.

I understand that the Board at HMP Norwich has brought new employer partnerships to the prison and supported events such as an employer’s open day for employers and prisoners, as well as providing valuable links with the Chamber of Commerce and the High Sherriff, who attend the Board’s meetings.