With the implementation of the Sentencing Act 2026, Clinks have now published a preliminary report into the most effective methods of resettlement support.
Key pre-release recommendations include:
- Enabling voluntary sector key workers based in the community greater access to people in prison, and at an earlier stage, in the run up to release
- Realistic release plans tailored to and agreed with each individual
- Improved communication around licence conditions
- Incorporating voluntary sector expertise within pre-release planning.
Key through-the-gate recommendations include:
- Support tailored to the individual so that through-the-gate provision is provided based on individual need
- Support underpinned by early planning and clear communication to each person leaving prison to ensure they have a robust and accessible plan in place
- Effective information sharing between relevant stakeholders – including both statutory and non statutory.
Accommodation was referenced as the critical component in positive post-release resettlement outcomes, with a need for accommodation pathways to extend beyond short-term placements, with move-on options, safe local housing, strategic housing links and greater support to sustain tenancies.
The report maintains, however, that the combination of growing demands on an under-staffed probation service combined with short term, limited funding of the voluntary sector, makes it almost impossible for a proper partnership approach to good quality resettlement work.
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