stories Success

ter Greater Manches from

Contents 3 4 Introduction Success stories

Leon Jenny Mohammed Martin

12 Useful tips
Getting started Disclosing your offences Tips for organisations

18 Useful contacts
Finding a volunteer opportunity Training and employment Advice on managing volunteers Acknowledgements

Introduction
The aim of this booklet is to share the stories of ex-offenders from Greater Manchester who have made a success of volunteering. We hope it provides inspiration and useful contacts for: potential volunteers organisations that involve volunteers advice and support agencies.

Many different people can help make the volunteering journey a success. This includes friends and family, support/advice workers, as well as those who recruit and manage volunteers. About one quarter of the working age population in the UK has some kind of criminal record. Many have the ability, experience and enthusiasm to be star-quality volunteers. The biggest barrier to volunteering for many is embarrassment about a situation where they have to disclose their offences. This booklet aims to give inspiration and information to overcome hurdles like this. Volunteering has many benefits for the volunteer. It helps provide a positive routine, its sociable, and it gives a great sense of achievement. It also offers useful work experience, development of skills, an up-to-date reference, and huge leaps forward in confidence and ambition. Volunteering is a brilliant way to explore a new career and to make a good impression. Volunteering also has massive benefits for the community. Volunteerinvolving organisations know that they need keen, motivated volunteers to be successful. An increasing number of organisations in Greater Manchester are recognising the benefits of a diverse volunteer workforce which includes ex-offenders. Ex-offenders often have a great deal of life experience, which can be invaluable to help others who are struggling. Special thanks to the volunteers who have agreed for their stories to be published in this booklet as an inspiration to others. We think they should be proud of their contribution to the community and the positive ways they have moved their lives forward.

the volunteering on After ple project for a cou t a Y.E.S. ge nths I managed to of mo

d job pai

Success Stories: Leon

After prison, I had a rough idea that I wanted to work with young people. But the fact that I had a criminal record, no work experience and no qualifications in that area meant I was really struggling to get anywhere. One afternoon I picked up a leaflet at a jobs fair whilst on probation, about volunteering. I met up with an advice worker and discussed with her that I did kickboxing and sport and would really like to do some youth work. She was upfront and said that it would be difficult but not impossible to get into youth work with a recent criminal record, and that I may need to be patient and dedicated. Within a couple of weeks I had an interview with the Y.E.S. project. It really helped me to know that they were already aware of my criminal record, so on the day they were just judging me on my abilities rather than my past. Because I had been in trouble but had worked my way through it, they felt that I had something really valuable to give the kids and I got a position on the football scheme. After volunteering on the Y.E.S. project for a couple of months I managed to get a paid job as a young persons mentor on a music project. Its been just under a year since I started and Im still volunteering. Im now completing application forms for university, to do either social work or youth and community work. I am determined that the negative experiences Ive had can be used for positive.

NOT

Id encourage others

to give up

Success Stories: Jenny

I spent most of my teenage years in and out of prison because of fighting, drugs and shoplifting. But on my last spell in prison something just clicked inside me and I realised that I wanted to change. So when I came out I was just determined to make things happen. I had absolutely no work experience, but I was lucky to have an advice worker to talk to who suggested volunteering. She tracked down a placement at the British Heart Foundation charity shop. When the manager met me she said I came across as very keen and eager and offered me the position I was over the moon because I was desperate for a change in my life. Ive been working there a bit now and I really enjoy doing something positive. They dont treat me differently and they say Im reliable and hard working. The confidence boost that volunteering has given me has worked wonders and Ive been doing a Maths and English course and managed to get a part time paid job. Ive still got a bit of a way to go but I can already see that its all worth it in the end Id encourage others not to give up, you can change and volunteering can help you do it.

rewards
There are so many

to volunteering

Success Stories: Mohammed

In prison I got qualifications and gained a passion for art. I also edited the prison magazine and was a mentor to new prisoners. When I came out of prison the world as I had known it had completely changed and I didnt know what to do with myself. A friend of the family put me in touch with Spearfish, an employment agency for artists, who gave me a volunteering position helping out with some admin. It was the only place I had been since my release where they knew about my convictions but didnt treat me like I was a three headed monster. After getting the experience at Spearfish, I moved on to get some volunteering work at ALL FM, a local radio station, editing programmes. Its been really good for me because it gives me a chance to be creative and do something Im really good at. There are so many rewards to volunteering like getting to socialise, gaining new skills, keeping you active, and your life moving forward instead of regretting the past.

what I was

I never really knew

GOOD at until I volunteered

Success Stories: Martin

I ended up on a probation order after getting in trouble with fighting. I was working in night clubs at the time and it was a bit of a negative lifestyle, being surrounded by alcohol and lots of people who were drunk and aggressive. To be honest, the probation order was a blessing in disguise as it enabled me to make the positive changes that Im making in my life now. Through my time at probation, I got onto a Princes Trust course and went on a volunteering placement at the Wythenshawe Gardening Project. I helped people with disabilities to make public areas into areas for therapeutic activities. I did painting, planting and clearing and gained loads of skills, but the main thing that I took away was how much I enjoyed helping others. Having gained the confidence to try new things Ive started a course doing a Level 2 Diploma in Catering and Food hygiene. I really like the hands-on, creative side of it, which I never really knew I was good at until I volunteered. Im building a new career and a troublefree life for myself.

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Useful tips getting started

Here are some of the different steps on the journey to volunteering. See the Useful contacts section for where to get information and support. Get inspired Think about what youre good at and what youve enjoyed doing in the past. Who has really inspired you in the past? What kind of work would really interest you? What kind of experience would help move your career in the right direction? Encouragement We all need a bit of help and encouragement to try something new. Maybe an adviser, a support worker or a friend or family member can help you stay motivated. Get information There are lots of opportunities out there. Browse local voluntary jobs on the website www.do-it.org.uk. Or tap into the advice available at your local Volunteer Centre. Make contact The first phone call can be scary maybe theres someone who can help you see it through. Some organisations offer a taster day when you can come and have a go without any pressure. Application process This might involve an information session, an application form or an interview its different for every organisation. Both you and the organisation need to decide if this is the right opportunity for you.

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Disclosing? You might not need to disclose any past convictions, or you might need to disclose everything - this depends on the position for which you are applying. Remember that organisations should consider lots of factors when appointing volunteers not just a criminal record. Induction You should have an induction from the organisation to let you know what is expected and what support is available all to help you make a good start on volunteering. Feedback If somethings not working out, dont sit on it its important to let the organisation know. They may also have some feedback for you! Training Any new experience is an opportunity to learn. Get the most out of any training that the organisation can offer. There may be other training that can help!

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Useful tips - disclosing your offences

Do you need to disclose? You may not need to disclose your offences to the organisation where you want to volunteer. It may be that any offending history is not relevant to the volunteering role. The organisation should make it clear. Spent and unspent convictions The organisation may ask you to disclose if you have any unspent convictions. These will be recent convictions, although very serious offences are never spent. In some specialist roles (working with children or vulnerable adults in certain roles), the organisation may also ask you to declare all convictions both spent and unspent. If this is the case, you will also need to declare any cautions or warnings you have received from the police, no matter how long ago they took place. For information about spent convictions and other issues, contact the NACRO Resettlement Plus helpline on 020 7840 6464. How to disclose your offence If the organisation has asked you to disclose convictions, its useful to attach a covering letter with information about the offence and your current attitude towards it. Make sure that any explanation you give for your past offending does not sound like an excuse. Explain how you have changed your life since the offence occurred and show that you will be trustworthy and reliable in the role. For example, you might have taken on commitments (such as your own flat or undertaking a training course) which show that you have too much to lose by getting into trouble again. If you are having an interview, remember that it does take courage to discuss past offences and you might want to practice discussing this with someone you trust beforehand.

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How does a CRB check work The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) can provide information to organisations about criminal records and convictions. Organisations that wish to run CRB checks must stick to the CRBs Code of Practice, which includes treating the disclosure information confidentially. The initial stage of a CRB check is to fill out a form (with someone from the organisation) giving details about yourself and providing evidence of your ID and address. This information is then sent off by the organisation to the CRB Bureau, who conduct a search of the records held. A report (with any convictions listed) is printed out by the CRB, and they send one copy to you and one copy to the organisation. The organisation should make its own decision about your suitability, taking lots of factors into account.

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Useful tips for organisations

The Useful contacts section of the booklet gives information on who can provide further advice. Policy and procedures It is good practice for volunteer-involving organisations to have a policy and agreed procedures about the recruitment of ex-offenders. These policies and procedures should seek to exclude the minority who might cause harm from the opportunity to do so, but not exclude those whose offences are irrelevant. Do we need a CRB check? CRB checks can only be justified by the nature of the role in question. You have to be consistent to all applicants you cant take up a CRB check just because you know or suspect someone is an ex-offender. Its illegal for organisations to request a CRB check if it is not really needed so you need to be sure you are getting it right! Types of CRB check Basic CRB check - usually used to check for deception offences related to a position of trust (e.g. handling cash). It only shows up unspent convictions. Enhanced CRB check - can be taken up only if the volunteering role involves working in a supervisory capacity with children or vulnerable adults. It shows up unspent and spent convictions and cautions, reprimands and warnings. Keep the applicant informed Give potential volunteers an opportunity to declare any relevant offences (and then discuss this with them) before conducting a CRB check.

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CRB administration It is usually easiest to register with an umbrella body and pay them an administration fee to conduct the check. Contact your local Volunteer Centre for information about umbrella bodies. If you conduct CRB checks, you are legally bound by the Disclosure Code of Good Practice, which requires you to have certain policies in place and to keep disclosure information confidential. Making a decision A CRB check is not an effective tool on its own. Interviews, references, trial periods, and ongoing supervision all help to determine whether someone is suitable for a role.

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Useful contacts finding a volunteer opportunity

DO-IT website www.do-it.org.uk Do-it is a national website of volunteer opportunities from across the country. Its like a job centre for volunteer positions. You can look up volunteer opportunities by postcode, geographical area, or type of work. Local Volunteer Centres Volunteer Centres act as a central point for advertising for volunteers. Some Volunteer Centres can book a one-to-one appointment with an individual to discuss their interests and help match them up to something relevant. Its important to phone first to book an appointment. There is a volunteer centre in most boroughs of Greater Manchester, though this depends on local funding. At the time of publication, the local centres are:, Bolton Tel: 01204 546060 Bury Tel: 0161 797 1968 Oldham Tel: 0161 633 6222 Rochdale Tel: 01706 631291 Salford Tel: 0161 707 7067 Tameside Tel: 0161 339 2345 Trafford Tel: 0161 976 2448 Wigan and Leigh Tel: 01942 514234 You can check for the latest contact details for your local centre from Volunteering Greater Manchester at www.volunteering-gm.org.uk

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Contacts training and employment

Nextstep The England-wide careers guidance service for those aged 20 and over. Nextstep runs a phone line and one-to-one advice sessions about finding work or a training course. www.nextstep.direct.gov.uk Freephone: 0800 100 900 Connexions The careers and advice service for young people up to 19. There is a Connexions service in each of the 10 districts of Greater Manchester. www.gmconnexions.co.uk Tel: 0800 032 2727 Training and qualifications Your local further education college will offer courses for young people and adults. In addition, there are a number of training centres and employment support schemes in Greater Manchester. learndirect A national scheme providing a range of training courses in local centres, and information about other training providers in your local area. www.learndirect.co.uk Freephone: 0800 101 901

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Useful contacts advice on managing volunteers

Volunteering England Provides factsheets (e.g. CRB checks, volunteering and benefits, insurance), a free advice line, and example policies and procedures which you can adapt. www.volunteering.org.uk Freephone: 0800 028 3304 Local Volunteer Centres Your local volunteer centre (see Contacts section) will provide advice and support for organisations which involve volunteers. Many of the volunteer centres also provide training, special projects, and volunteer recognition schemes. Volunteering Greater Manchester can provide information and contacts. www.volunteering-gm.org.uk Tel: 0161 277 1027 Criminal Records Bureau The CRB is responsible for the disclosure service and can provide information about its administration. www.crb.gov.uk Tel: 0870 909 0811 Independent Safeguarding Authority The ISA was set up to administer the Vetting and Barring Scheme alongside the CRB check system. Following a review in 2011, the ISA registration part of the proposed scheme has been put on hold. In 2011, the ISA will merge with the CRB and the new body will oversee both CRB checks and the barring system. www.isa-gov.org.uk Involving Ex-offenders in Volunteering This useful 20 page booklet (produced by Volunteering England and NACRO in 2006) contains tips for organisations. It can be downloaded for free from the Volunteering England website. www.volunteering.org.uk Freephone: 0800 028 3304
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Useful contacts criminal justice

NACRO resettlement helpline NACRO is a national charity working to reduce crime and provide a fresh start for offenders, by running projects and undertaking research. The Resettlement helpline provides information about issues relating to ex-offenders. www.nacro.org.uk Tel: 020 7840 6464 Greater Manchester Probation Trust The Probation service is a statutory agency. It oversees the supervision of offenders in the community. There are 40 probation sites across Greater Manchester. www.gm-probation.org.uk Tel: 0161 872 4802 Youth Offending Teams There is a Youth Offending Team in each of the 10 districts of Greater Manchester, providing services to young people aged 10-17 who have come into contact with the criminal justice system or are at risk of doing so. www.yjb.gov.uk

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Acknowledgements
This booklet was produced by Back on Track, and is based on the experiences of ex-offenders from Greater Manchester who have made a success of volunteering. Many thanks to over 50 ex-offenders who shared their story in order to help us understand what makes volunteering work. Thanks to those who have agreed for their stories to be published - we think they should be proud of their contribution to the community, and the positive ways they have moved their lives forward. The booklet was produced in conjunction with Greater Manchester Volunteering Project and Manchester City Council Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership. Thanks also to Salford Foundation and Greater Manchester Probation Trust. Back on Track is a Greater Manchester charity. Each year Back on Track helps around 500 adults move from a disrupted past towards a positive future, through our training, mentoring and guidance services. All our students have low levels of confidence and skills, and many have had some kind of trouble with the law. With the right encouragement and training they are able to move on to a positive outcome such as a college course, voluntary work, or employment. Back on Track benefits from the support of around 40 volunteers each year, and seeks to set a good example as a workplace where volunteers and staff with a criminal record can fulfil their potential.

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Published March 201 by Back on Track, in conjunction 1 with Volunteering Greater Manchester and Manchester City Council Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.

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