We believe in transforming lives by thinking differently about rehabilitation. Through innovative strategies, tailored support and a focus on outcomes, we aim to break the cycle of reoffending and make a meaningful impact on individuals and communities.
Thinking differently about rehabilitation
We are rethinking rehabilitation with innovative strategies, expert partnerships and a drive to make a true impact – change that reduces reoffending, benefits society and builds stronger, safer communities.
The need for effective rehabilitation
With increasing pressure on prison capacities, reducing reoffending isn’t just a necessity – it is an opportunity. Reoffending costs society billions every year, places undue pressure on prison capacities, and disrupts lives and communities.
Effective prisoner rehabilitation benefits everyone by fostering safer communities, addressing systemic problems, and creating meaningful pathways for reintegration into society. By focusing on education, employment, wellbeing, and support, we can reduce reoffending rates and help offenders build better futures.
Our core rehabilitation strategies
Education, skills and employment pathways after release
Providing prisoners with education and employment opportunities makes reintegration smoother and more impactful, ensuring they are prepared for a productive life after release. Serco provides tailored, impactful programs that align with individual needs and economic conditions.
Our approach:
Education programs
Covering job-readiness and vocational training in areas like construction, hospitality, logistics, and industrial cleaning.
Strategic employer partnerships
Collaborating with companies to ensure qualifications via vocational and employment programs directly lead to employment post release; including partnerships with employers like PCE Ltd for concrete manufacturing training, or Cosy Direct for manufacturing skills.
Individualised support programs
Support designed to meet prisoners wherever they are in their custodial journeys.
Neurodiversity and personalised education support
Implementing cutting-edge tools like Do-IT Profiler to tailor programmes to individual needs.
'Working prisons'
Developing real-life business environments to prepare prisoners for meaningful employment post-release.
Skills for work
Within our prions, partnerships with organisations like Combat 2 Coffee provide prisoners with barista certifications and training with the National Association of Air Duct Specialists UK (NAADUK) has provided skills to work in Facilities Management after data showed there were 1,500+ vacancies in the field - helping the men to secure jobs after release.
Other successful programmes include pre-cast concrete manufacturing training and qualifications with PCE Ltd and Waste Management opportunities through Bakers Environmental Solutions' Inside Out Academy.
Psychological services
Serco uniquely self-delivers extensive psychological services within its UK prison operations.
Our in-house psychologists provide evidence-based, individualised interventions to help prisoners positively change their behaviour, aiming to reduce reoffending.
Health and wellbeing support
Investing in the physical and mental wellbeing of prisoners not only aids successful rehabilitation but also reduces issues like violence and self-harm while in custody. We provide holistic support for prisoners’ wellbeing. These initiatives contribute to countering trauma and instances of crises while empowering prisoners to take control of their health and wellbeing.
Our initiatives:
Health biometric analysis
State-of-the-art interactive health kiosks scan body composition to support health focused behaviour change. 16,000 scans have been taken since launch.
Substance misuse programs
Partnerships with healthcare providers to deliver stabilisation, psychosocial interventions and aligned support services to deliver effective relapse prevention strategies.
SHOUT text support
This 24/7 confidential mental health text service enabled through in-cell technology has recorded over 1,450 conversations and initiated 12 emergency welfare interventions.
CHW health platform
Prisoners engaged with on-demand fitness videos, mindful meditation, and nutritional content over 32,920 times, logging over 9,500 hours of health and wellness activities – available through in-cell digital technology.
Wraparound support for re-entry
Rehabilitation doesn’t end at the prison gates. Stable housing and social reintegration are critical for reducing reoffending rates. Serco ensures individuals leaving custody are equipped with the tools and resources to reintegrate effectively.
Core elements include:
Housing assistance
Support in securing stable homes and connecting individuals with housing agencies to prevent homelessness upon release.
Family reintegration programs
Offering parenting courses and therapy to rebuild and strengthen essential support networks.
Community peer mentorship
Programs led by successful ex-offenders who guide prisoners through recovery, job hunting, and reintegration.
Community outreach
Partnerships with faith-based groups, charities, and community organisations amplify the impact of our programs.
What's next for rehabilitation
At Serco, innovation drives everything we do. We’re always looking ahead to leverage new technologies, deepen our partnerships, and adapt our approach to meet the evolving needs of the justice system. We’re ensuring rehabilitation evolves to meet emerging challenges and opportunities with efficiency and empathy.
Growing our impact on rehabilitation in the future
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Scaling digital initiatives like the SHOUT service and health platforms to more custodial facilities.
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Exploring and integrating advanced data insights/AI technologies for more effective personalised rehabilitation plans.
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Expanding employer partnerships to bridge workforce training with real-world opportunities.
Through collaboration with government bodies, healthcare institutions and private organisations, our rehabilitation model offers greater potential for systemic change.
Making a positive impact
Rehabilitation is not just about transforming the lives of offenders - it’s about benefiting society as a whole. From offering proven support programs to being a trusted government partner, Serco is committed to creating better outcomes for all.
These initiatives reflect Serco’s commitment to addressing the root causes of offending behaviours and building a foundation for more sustainable futures.
Examples of positive change:
Veteran support
Offering mentorship and integration programs to ex-military personnel in custody.
Family services
Family engagement initiatives to reduce the stigma of incarceration and tailored family reintegration services.
Circle of Support programs
Addressing specific needs like sexual offense management and education.
Post-release business start-up support
Enabling ex-prisoners to launch successful ventures.
Why Serco?
Experts in complex rehabilitation needs
With over 30 years of self-delivered psychological services and rehabilitation leadership, Serco combines in-house experience in psychological health, education and engagement with evidence-based services and cutting-edge innovation.
Community impact at scale
Our work spans strategic partnerships, global outreach and community-focused initiatives, ensuring comprehensive, meaningful results.
Trusted, proven results
Our track record of success – combined with award-winning programs – ensures partnerships that get results. Our programs directly align with reducing reoffending rates, supporting well-being and fostering reintegration success across diverse demographics.
Collaborative innovation
By working closely with government justice departments and pioneering rehabilitation technology, Serco is shaping the future of prison management and beyond.
