Preparing food at an innovative charity restaurant chain pioneered at HMP High Down makes prisoners less likely to reoffend, according to new data analysis by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and the Justice Data Lab (JDL).

The joint report found that people participating in The Clink Charity’s hospitality training scheme were 41 per cent less likely to reoffend within a one-year period than non-participants.

In line with the reduction in the number of individuals reoffending, analysts found a 40.9 per cent reduction in the number of proven re-offences by those taking part in the training scheme.

From June: Founder of prisoner rehabilitation charity The Clink receives prestigious award from Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace

The scheme was first introduced at HMP High Down on the border of Banstead and Sutton in 2009 and has since been rolled out at HMP Cardiff, HMP Brixton in London and HMP Styal in Cheshire.

Inmates work 40-hour weeks in restaurants based at the prisons while working towards vocational qualifications in food preparation, food service and hygiene.

The charity also provides support workers to mentor trainees and help them secure accommodation after they are released.

A spokesperson said The Clink’s “ultimate goal of the charity’s work is to reduce reoffending rates”.

Chris Moore, chief executive of The Clink Charity, said: “The results of the Justice Data Lab report provide statistical verification that the determined work of The Clink Charity is the right course to be followed if we are to continue to reduce reoffending rates in the UK.

“Lack of education and employment, prior to conviction, are key factors in those who commit crimes, which is why The Clink Charity has been built on an educational foundation that is assessed by OFSTED and adheres to the City & Guilds syllabuses.”

Justice Minister Sam Gyimah said: “We want prisons to be places of hard work and high ambition, with incentives for prisoners to learn and I am delighted that the Clink restaurant gives prisoners the skills and qualifications needed to secure employment on release.

“The Justice Secretary announced a major overhaul of the prison system last week. Our measures will create prisons that are places of safety and reform, giving prisoners the education and skills they need to turn their back on crime for good."

A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman added: “Prisons have a critical role to play in making society safer, by cutting reoffending rates and by intervening earlier to turn lives around.

“Schemes like this can help offenders to quit crime for good.”

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