HMP Onley and Greene King Partnership for Skills, Opportunity, and Change
November 05, 2024Posted by:
Yesterday a transformative partnership between HMP Onley and Greene King pubs launched unveiling “The Hideout”, an innovative new training academy within the prison that offers prisoners the opportunity to learn valuable, industry-specific skills. This collaboration, made possible through extensive planning and dedicated support, is designed to equip prisoners with qualifications and practical experience in various roles including catering, front of house, back of house, and barista roles. Upon completing the training, participants earn a City & Guilds qualification, and when they are released, they will have the chance to interview for relevant positions at Greene King pubs.
The purpose-built training facility, which replaced the former staff mess room, has been carefully designed to replicate the environment of a real Greene King pub, offering a realistic and valuable learning experience. Known as “The Hideout”, a name submitted and chosen by the prisoners, this academy allows prison staff to enjoy a food from a replicated “Greene King” menu or coffee all prepared and served by prisoners in training. By offering this hands-on experience, the programme aims to reduce re-offending rates by helping prisoners build both technical skills, ‘real life experience’ and confidence, ultimately leading to improved chances of stable employment upon release.
Decorated by a 'utility party' of prisoners who have backgrounds in trades like painting, decorating, and construction, the academy's design was overseen by skilled mentors. Individuals like Charlie, an experienced landscape gardener who learned new decorating skills, contributed to creating a modern, welcoming space that mirrors the outside world.
Throughout the launch event, prisoners shared how grateful they were for the new opportunities. Like James, a prisoner with years of catering industry experience, who explained his choice to stay at HMP Onley specifically to participate in this programme, forgoing the chance to transfer to an open prison. "This experience is incredibly valuable for my future," he shared, noting the positive impact of his role in “The Hideout” kitchen.
Mac, currently training as a barista, expressed his gratitude for the programme, describing how it has motivated him to pursue a career in hospitality and, one day, perhaps run his own coffee van. "This gives me hope for when I leave," Mac said. "I've learned new skills and enjoyed being in “The Hideout”, which has given me a break from feeling like I’m in prison.”
The successful launch of this initiative required months of preparation, with initial discussions beginning in May 2023. Tyrone Mathews, HMP Onley’s Education Manager, expressed pride in his team’s dedication: “I am so proud of the time and commitment my team has put in to make this project a success. Paul Mardle and John Richardson were instrumental in designing the curriculum, while Andrew Tolton oversaw much of the work done by the utility party - painting, decorating, and construction. This is only the second project of its kind in the UK, and they have been instrumental to its success.”
With Greene King operating over 2,600 pubs and employing around 40,000 people nationwide, this partnership signifies a meaningful step forward in supporting rehabilitation and reintegration through practical skills and real career opportunities. They hope to recruit 400 prison leavers by 2025, showing their commitment to driving social change.
Graham Briggs, Head of Apprenticeships & Employability Programmes for Greene King Said:
“Our partnership with PeoplePlus, HMP Onley, and the New Futures Network is helping Greene King to deliver on its commitment to recruiting prison leavers as we aim to break down barriers for those seeking employment opportunities upon release. Through the academy, we look forward to seeing many candidates go on to complete the programme, gain qualifications and secure employment thanks to our partnership.”
November 05, 2024Posted by:
