Social value

We continue to find opportunities for people from marginal or vulnerable groups, and, in so doing, to reduce re-offending rates (currently around 30%). Recent external factors slowed many programmes down, including the Breaking Barriers programme, but it is now ripe for acceleration in 2023, through the Reconomy Social Enterprise CIC. 

The Breaking Barriers programme not only helps prison leavers, but also ex-military personnel and the long-term unemployed. It focuses on training, recruitment, risk assessments and personal development. The aim is to help people achieve independence and fulfilling lives. For us it means access to additional capacity and workforce. 

At the heart of RSVP is our five-year commercial partnership with the National House Project for young adults leaving care. Through our continued association with the charity, and as signatories to the Care Leavers Covenant, we offer practical support, training and work experience opportunities to care-experienced adults, helping them to secure their first job or apprenticeship or to progress their careers. In 2022, we sponsored the Reconomy Entrepreneur Award to support young people with experience of the care system to start their own businesses, offering seed funding and business mentoring.