HMP Forest Bank
HMP Forest Bank opened in 2,000 and holds up to 1,160 male offenders. Located in Salford, Greater Manchester it is a local prison serving the courts in the local catchment area and holds both convicted and unconvicted prisoners. The prison demonstrates custodial excellence in many areas with an emphasis on comprehensive needs and risks assessment.
Social reintegration has been increased through the development of a strategy for directly engaging key local organisations to produce real job and employment opportunities for offenders.
“We're determined to ensure that prisoners make the best of their time here, we have a lot of work going on in ensuring people gain the necessary skills and qualifications both work related and educational that are bundled together to give them the best possible chance when they go out...”
Trevor Shortt, Director, HMP Forest Bank
Prisoners can access education and training to learn a range of useful skills enhancing their chances of gaining employment when they are released from prison. For some this may mean learning how to read and write. The prison also offers a range of trade workshops giving prisoners practical skills and qualifications. In the Salford area there is a shortage of skilled warehouse workers. HMP Forest Bank provides forklift truck tuition and qualifications to prisoners which greatly improves their chances of finding local work on release. HMP Forest Bank has also developed a training kitchen and bistro style restaurant, 'Food for Thought', in partnership with a local hotel chain. Here prisoners gain recognised qualifications in food preparation, food hygiene and service in readiness for employment in the catering industry on release.
HMP Forest Bank has been awarded Beacon Partner Status for the category of 'Reducing Re-offending'. This reflects HMP Forest Bank's contribution in reducing crime through the Bolton BeSafe partnership, which includes Greater Manchester Police, local government and the Probation Service. The Awards were initiated in 1999 to reward excellence in local government, enabling best practice to be shared with others. Beacon Status is awarded by the Improvement and Development Agency, to authorities and partners that demonstrate a clear vision, excellent services and a willingness to innovate.
Research carried out by the Financial Inclusion Unit at Liverpool John Moores University looked at the effects of having a bank account on prisoners released from HMP Forest Bank. Results show that of 193 prisoners released with bank accounts, only 72 returned to prison resulting in a 37% return rate, which is nearly half the national return rate of 65%. Valuing the potential of ex-offenders as participating in society and offering them a fresh start, offers the best positive long term intervention aimed at the reduction of re-offending.
Find out more about HMP Forest Bank.
