Yesterday's Nacro conference, The Future Role of the Voluntary Sector in the Criminal Justice System, was a missed opportunity for Labour to set out their agenda for the role of the Third Sector in the CJS; unfortunately the spokesman seemed to be more preoccupied with the overstretched Legal Aid budget.
In contrast, Alan Duncan MP (Shadow Justice Minister for Prisons) made bold statements about the Conservative's desire for wholesale support for re-offenders before, during and after custody. But (and it was a big but) progress would be slow as it would all depend on when funds are available. Payment for services by Third Sector organisations would be focused on results but Clive Martin of Clinks highlighted the practical problems of outcome focused funding- measurement. Clive pointed out that contracts focused on reducing re-offending rates will be difficult to fulfil, whereas metrics such as registering with a GP, getting a job and having a secure home would be much more feasible.
Everyone agreed that local commissioning and decision making was the way forward. But a key element to reducing re-offending would be to increase community-based sentences. Paul McDowell, Nacro's new Chief Executive, made clear that offenders should get the support they needed for as long as they need it- this would be more cost-effective than the millions being spent if an offender stays within the CJS. Paul said that more joined up working is essential, not least to help overcome the problems created by the churn of the prison population and the negative impact on rehabilitation for prisoners who are constantly being transferred around the country.
Nacro, the crime reduction charity, is dedicated to making society safer. They reduce crime by giving offenders and those at risk of offending a positive stake in society.