HMP Forest Bank wins top Guardian award

The prison was awarded for its partnership working with The Co-operative Bank. Together, the team developed a bank account scheme which gives prisoners the opportunity to apply for an account to use once they are released.

The first official account was opened in 2006 and, since then, the scheme has helped over 1,000 prisoners open bank accounts. This vitally allows them to prepare for life after prison and reduce the risk of financial exclusion, which supports the reduction of re-offending whilst promoting social stability. The scheme plays an integral part of the prison's overall aim of rehabilitation and to reduce re-offending.

Trevor Shortt, director for HMP Forest Bank, said: “The bank account scheme has been running for four years and is focused on prisoners who are due for release within 24 months. Offering access to bank accounts helps to sustain a positive resettlement process, allows prisoners to apply for jobs through our job club, and encourages potential employers to set up interviews. This has resulted in a lasting improvement in the area of pre-release and also housing search.”

Michael Fairclough, Head of Community and Campaigns at The Co-operative Group, said: “We are delighted to have received such recognition for this pioneering scheme. The ability to have access to appropriate financial products is necessary for people to fully participate in modern society and has been shown to contribute to the rehabilitation process.

“Not having an account can jeopardise job opportunities, make obtaining rented housing more difficult and complicate access to education grants - all conditions that contribute to increased re-offending rates with consequences not just for individuals but for society as a whole. By offering this service, that most of us take for granted, we are making positive contributions to the reduction of re-offending rates and helping to tackle social and financial exclusion amongst exoffenders.”

David Brindle, The Guardian's Public Services Editor, said: “It's been a tough year for all public services, yet this year's winners prove that excellence continues to thrive, despite even tougher times ahead on the horizon.  The HMP Forest Bank scheme has contributed to a positive resettlement process for former prisoners, with only 37% of those with a bank account returning to prison - half that of the national return rate. The success of the scheme has meant that it has already been rolled out to another 28 prisons - a fantastic result.”

HMP Forest Bank, run by Sodexo Justice Services, opened in 2000 and is one of the largest prisons in the UK, with capacity to hold over 1,400 male offenders. The prison serves the catchment of Wigan, Leigh, Bolton and Bury for adults and it also provides services for young offenders from Greater Manchester.