Many social enterprises provide services to individuals who could or have come into contact with the criminal justice system. This ranges from those at risk of offending through social and economic exclusion, to people with convictions who need support to break the cycle of reoffending.

As well as providing support to individuals, social enterprises provide added value through being sustainable and tackling additional issues such as unemployment or skills gaps in communities. By operating in a commercial environment social enterprises also empower individuals with responsibility - bridging the gap of exclusion from communities.

Over the past few years, Government has favoured greater involvement for social enterprise in delivering services across the criminal justice system. The Ministry of Justice is developing processes to use services which are delivered by social enterprise. Across the UK local police, probation and prison services are supporting or working with social enterprises to tackle the causes of crime.

To support this development, we are working with members and partner organisations to identify models of good practice. We are also working with the Ministry of Justice to identify examples that can be promoted throughout probation and prison services. Informed by our members, we are able to provide advice to the Government on how to support social enterprises and remove the barriers they face.

If you have any queries about our work on the criminal justice system, please contact Olof Jonsdottir at: olof.jonsdottir@socialenterprise.org.uk.

Reports:

Social Enterprises working in Prisons and Probation (November 2009)

Consultations:

MoJ consultation on Best Value in Probation (July 2008)

MoJ Third Sector Strategy consultation (March 2008)