Justice Services

Acorn Training have provided Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) services in partnership with His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service and continue to support individuals within the justice sector through specialist programmes.

We have delivered our services in the secure environment and are committed to improving the lives of individuals that have offended by supporting their rehabilitation. Acorn Training is currently delivering services within the justice sector through a partnership with 3SC, supporting individuals on probation with diagnosed or undiagnosed neurodiverse needs. This person-centred coaching service helps participants develop practical coping strategies and improve emotional wellbeing while engaging with probation services.

HMPPS Logo

Positive and Successful Future

Our aim is to empower individuals to build a positive and successful future by providing tailored support and guidance for their journey in prison and back into the community. We have previously done this through delivering the following:

  • Supporting the induction process
  • Creating personal learning plans and goal setting
  • Developing positive attitudes and behaviours
  • Encouraging learning and development
  • Building stable relationships
  • Delivering employment support including interview skills, CV writing, disclosure, job searching and applications
  • Working in partnership with employers to promote positive relations
  • Providing guidance on using new skills and qualifications in the community

Acorn Training is committed to improving the lives of individuals that have offended and their victims and families by supporting rehabilitation through: Understanding offending behaviour, learning and development, finding sustainable employment and developing networks and restorative justice

Tailored IAG Support for Returning Citizens

At many HMP establishments, Acorn Training conducted appointment-led interviews with the cohort to provide support throughout their sentences to identify their goals and to encourage skills building and vocational activities, functional skills, educational aims and employment opportunities on release. Our IAG services are tailored to the individuals’ short-term and long-term career goals. IAG services intensify 12 weeks prior to the offender’s release, once again this support is tailored to each prisoner with focus on breaking down barriers to employment for these returning citizens.

For some HMP Establishments, Acorn Training have previously been training identified Prisoners to receive a formal Information, Advice and Guidance Qualification and these individuals worked with the Acorn Training IAG team to deliver the full IAG service to the prison cohort, these individuals are called Peer Information Advice and Guidance mentors.

Acorn Training continues their commitment to the returning citizens they work with outside of the prison establishments via our support and employability programmes to ensure supported transitions back into the community and enable individuals to contribute positively to society by gaining lasting life and employment skills with an aim to reduce recidivism. Our lived experience mentors work closely with returning citizen participants on our Restart Scheme to support their employment journey. Learn more about the Restart Scheme here. Through new partnerships and specialist programmes, including our work supporting neurodiverse individuals within probation services, Acorn Training continues to expand its impact within the justice sector.

Learner Success Story

Nick joined us in January, and during his initial IAG (Information, Advice, and Guidance) session, we learned about his self-taught experience as a Carpenter.

When a vacancy in the Woodshop became available, we supported Nick in applying for the role, with the agreement that he would complete a Level 2 Carpentry course once it was available.

Nick quickly demonstrated his skills and made valuable contributions to various projects, including making raised planters and outdoor furniture for the camp. After successfully completing the Carpentry course, he earned his Level 2 Carpenter certification.

In August, Nick secured his ROTL (Release on Temporary Licence) clearance and is working in the community for a company specialising in sustainable housing projects. We’re pleased to see his progress and wish him continued success in his new position as he prepares for his full release from custody.

Want to find out more?

To find out more about this programme and the enrolment process, please fill in the contact form.

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