Grundon’s technical transfer station in Ewelme, Oxfordshire, offers employment opportunities with the goal of helping individuals reintegrate into society and reduce repeat offences.
In 2012, Huntercombe Prison approached Grundon with the idea of taking on someone as part of the release on temporary licence (ROTL) scheme. The venture led to a long-lasting partnership between the prison and the company, with the original ROTL employee remaining a part of the Grundon team today.
The Huntercombe ROTL scheme recently restarted, with a job fair resulting in the successful recruitment of two new employees to Grundon.
Andy Bale, transfer station manager, said: “All of the guys we have had here have been fantastic. They are polite, courteous and very hard working.
“They all say how grateful they are to be given the chance to go out and work as it gives them a purpose and a sense of worth.
“They all have great personalities and get along with everyone they encounter. This, along with their work ethic, has made them valuable members of our team.”
The ROTL scheme
As a category C prison for foreign nationals, those serving time at Huntercombe prison have remaining sentences of three to 36 months. Although inmates may face deportation, many have grown up in England and seek to remain due to conflicts in their homeland.
The ROTL programme provides offenders with a chance to acquire employment skills and gain valuable work experience, which can help them secure employment upon release. The prison hopes that this, in turn, helps reduce the likelihood of reoffending and plays a critical role in breaking the cycle of crime.
Grundon says that it is looking to supporting other ROTL programmes and can be contacted at hr@grundon.com for further information.
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