Nic speaks with OB about his experiences which led him to prison and what positive changes he wants to see in the system. In the Experts by Experience podcast, Catch22 gives a platform to the voices that matter the most—those with lived experience. Hosted by Nic, a Team Leader within Catch22’s Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS), each episode explores different social challenges and reform ideas through conversations with service users, frontline workers, and industry leaders. This season emphasises the importance of lived experience in shaping better public services;highlighting real stories of resilience, transformation, and giving back. Whether it’s entrepreneurship, challenging stereotypes, or finding creative outlets, each episode provides valuable insights into the ways public services can evolve to meet the needs of the most vulnerable. Learn more about our justice services here: ⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4fffCKW

Trigger warning: Please be aware that today's episode references suicide and suicidal ideation. In today's episode, Nic speaks with Simon about finding hope in prison and the importance of kindness. In the Experts by Experience podcast, Catch22 gives a platform to the voices that matter the most—those with lived experience. Hosted by Nic, a Team Leader within Catch22’s Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS), each episode explores different social challenges and reform ideas through conversations with service users, frontline workers, and industry leaders. This season emphasises the importance of lived experience in shaping better public services;highlighting real stories of resilience, transformation, and giving back. Whether it’s entrepreneurship, challenging stereotypes, or finding creative outlets, each episode provides valuable insights into the ways public services can evolve to meet the needs of the most vulnerable. Learn more about our justice services here: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4fffCKW

In today's episode, Nic speaks with Carl (C.Roots) about the importance of creativity. This season of #Catch22Minutes, Experts by Experience, is hosted by Nic, a Team Leader within Catch22’s Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS).  Each episode Nic will be speaking with service users from across our justice services to explore a variety of topics, as well as the value of lived experience.  Learn more about our justice services here: ⁠https://bit.ly/4fffCKW

In today's episode, Nic speaks with Gavin about the value in giving back to younger versions of ourselves. This season of #Catch22Minutes, Experts by Experience, is hosted by Nic, a Team Leader within Catch22’s Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS).  Each episode Nic will be speaking with service users from across our justice services to explore a variety of topics, as well as the value of lived experience.  Learn more about our justice services here: ⁠https://bit.ly/4fffCKW

In today's episode, Nic speaks with three guests on their unique experiences with stereotyping in the criminal justice system. This season of #Catch22Minutes, Experts by Experience, is hosted by Nic, a Team Leader within Catch22’s Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS).  Each episode Nic will be speaking with service users from across our justice services to explore a variety of topics, as well as the value of lived experience.  Learn more about our justice services here: ⁠https://bit.ly/4fffCKW

In today’s episode, Nic and her guest speak about the importance of taking ownership of the unique experiences that we each go through. This season of #Catch22Minutes, Experts by Experience, is hosted by Nic, a Team Leader within Catch22’s Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS).  Each episode Nic will be speaking with service users from across our justice services to explore a variety of topics, as well as the value of lived experience.  Learn more about our justice services here: ⁠https://bit.ly/4fffCKW

In today’s episode, Nic speaks with Naeem on his experience with entrepreneurship, staying motivated, and how he started his own business.  This season of #Catch22Minutes, Experts by Experience, is hosted by Nic, a Team Leader within Catch22’s Commissioned Rehabilitative Services (CRS).  Each episode Nic will be speaking with service users from across our justice services to explore a variety of topics, as well as the value of lived experience.  Learn more about our justice services here: https://bit.ly/4fffCKW

In today's episode, we will be discussing Jobcentre Plus, the punitive approach that we have been seeing when it comes to supporting people back to work, and what this says about the UK's welfare policy. In Catch22's manifesto, we are calling for the government to revolutionise Jobcentre Plus so that, alongside other employment related services, they become a place where people are supported into careers rather than placed into ‘any job.’ Joining Stella to discuss the issues around Jobcentre Plus and welfare policy is Tom O'Grady, Associate Professor of Politics at University College London. _________________________________________________________ With the recent release of our manifesto: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠22 ways to build resilience and aspiration in people and communities⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, our fourth season focuses on some of our key policy asks. It is presented by Catch22’s Head of Policy and Campaigns, Stella Tsantekidou. Learn more about our manifesto: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3F7KCf3⁠

The debate around fixed term recalls reflects the broader tensions within criminal justice policy between punitive and rehabilitative approaches, and between the imperatives of public safety and individual rights. These debates are particularly important when we are thinking about the context of rising prison populations in the UK, with concerns about the sustainability of the current system and the effectiveness of existing policies in reducing reoffending rates and supporting the rehabilitation of offenders. To discuss the issues around fixed term recalls, Stella is joined by Miranda Shanks, Policy and Communications Manager for Justice and Education at Catch22. _________________________________________________________ With the recent release of our manifesto: ⁠⁠⁠⁠22 ways to build resilience and aspiration in people and communities⁠⁠⁠⁠, our fourth season focuses on some of our key policy asks. It is presented by Catch22’s Head of Policy and Campaigns, Stella Tsantekidou. Learn more about our manifesto: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3F7KCf3⁠

Charity campaigning will never be as well-resourced as lobbying by the private sector. However, with increasing government cuts and the current cost-of-living crisis, the charity sector is working under increasing financial constraints, meaning charitable organisations have to be even more strategic in how they try to influence government policy.  In this episode, Stella is joined by Babs Williams, CEO of Frontline, and a public policy analyst, to explore different strategies for influencing government, and considerations that should be made. _________________________________________________________ With the recent release of our manifesto: ⁠⁠⁠22 ways to build resilience and aspiration in people and communities⁠⁠⁠, our fourth season focuses on some of our key policy asks. It is presented by Catch22’s Head of Policy and Campaigns, Stella Tsantekidou. Learn more about our manifesto: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3F7KCf3

In Catch22’s Manifesto, we are calling for the government to invest in ‘digital skills for work’ programmes for the UK workforce, to ensure that every person is equipped for the future world of work. In today’s episode, Stella is joined by Carolina Saludes, a Global Campaign Strategist at PwC, to explore the current challenges and opportunities in the UK job market, why digital skills and training and upskilling are needed for the future of work, and the use of AI in the wider labour market.  _________________________________________________________ With the recent release of our manifesto: ⁠⁠22 ways to build resilience and aspiration in people and communities⁠⁠, our fourth season focuses on some of our key policy asks. It is presented by Catch22’s Head of Policy and Campaigns, Stella Tsantekidou. Learn more about our manifesto: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3F7KCf3

In today's episode, Stella is joined by Dr Elisabeth Carter, a Criminologist and Forensic Linguist. Dr Carter analyses communications between fraudsters and victims to understand how people can become victims of this crime, and uses her findings to improve victim support. Stella and Dr Carter discuss what romance fraud is, the tactics used by criminals, the impact it has on its victims, and who should be responsible for protecting the public from this crime. _________________________________________________________ With the recent release of our manifesto: ⁠22 ways to build resilience and aspiration in people and communities⁠, our fourth season focuses on some of our key policy asks. It is presented by Catch22’s Head of Policy and Campaigns, Stella Tsantekidou. Learn more about our manifesto: ⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3F7KCf3 For support with fraud, access the resources below: Catch22 Victim Services: https://bit.ly/3Ud8gPX  Action Fraud: ⁠https://bit.ly/3Sw5kwH⁠ LoveSaid: ⁠https://bit.ly/42cFO2H⁠ Dr Carter's papers on romance fraud: https://academic.oup.com/bjc/article/63/6/1405/7001906 https://academic.oup.com/bjc/article/61/2/283/5959932 Dr Carter's book: https://bit.ly/3u5keAA Thames Valley Police romance fraud booklet: https://bit.ly/3u8wtfI

In today's episode we will be focusing on how AI (artificial intelligence) is used in public services and the hiring process; the challenges, the dangers, and of course, the opportunities. Joining Stella to discuss is Rachel Coldicutt, Executive Director of Careful Trouble, and Magid El-Amin, Director of Evidence and Insight at Catch22. With the recent release of our manifesto: 22 ways to build resilience and aspiration in people and communities, our fourth season focuses on some of our key policy asks. It is presented by Catch22’s Head of Policy and Campaigns, Stella Tsantekidou. Learn more about our manifesto: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3F7KCf3

In this episode of Catch22Minutes, we’ll be exploring the problem with short term prison sentences. Last month, Justice Secretary Alex Chalk, announced that there will be a new legal presumption that offenders facing jail sentences of under 12 months will instead be given a community sentence. This is welcome news for many working in the Criminal Justice sector, as removing short term prison sentences has been at the top of the agenda for many organisations and politicians. Joining Stella to discuss short term prison sentences, and why they do not work is Harvey Redgrave, Chief Executive of Crest Advisory, and Trustee and Catch22. Learn more about our Manifesto: ⁠https://bit.ly/3F7KCf3

In this episode of Catch22Minutes, we’ll be discussing the campaign to make care experience a protected characteristic under the Equalities Act 2010. Many care experienced people face discrimination, stigma, and prejudice in their day-to-day lives. Public perceptions of care experience centre on the idea that children are irredeemably damaged and that can lead to discrimination and assumptions being made. We want to see the next Government commit to supporting care experienced young people through bold national policies, so they are given the best chance to succeed in life. Joining Stella to discuss is Terry Galloway, Trustee of NYAS and Become, co-founder of Care Leaver Offer, and campaigner for equal opportunities for people who are in or have experience of care, and Hannah McCowen, manager of the National Leaving Care Benchmarking Forum. Learn more about our Manifesto: https://bit.ly/3F7KCf3

In this episode of Catch22Minutes, we’ll be discussing the topic of green skills. As we say in our manifesto, we want to see the next government commit to ensuring the UK is a true skills hub, identifying the skills required for jobs of the future and equipping the workforce to meet those needs. Specifically, we are asking the government to increase the number of green skills training courses and amend more courses to be green, such as lifetime skills, boot camps and apprenticeships.  To discuss the importance of green skills and jobs of the future, Stella is joined by Jeevun Sandher, Head of Economics at the New Economics Foundation, and the Labour Parliamentary candidate for Loughborough.   Learn more about our Manifesto: https://bit.ly/3F7KCf3

For millions of people in the UK, drug taking is a normal day of everyday life, from drinking alcohol or caffeine, to taking a paracetamol for a headache. For some though, drug taking is a serious problem, often having a devastating effect on the individual’s life and the lives of those around them. Latest statistics show that over 20% of people the age of 16-24 have taken an illicit drug. Around 7% are known to have taken a Class A drug, deemed to be the most dangerous, and around 18% have taken cannabis, a Class B drug.  In today’s discussion we explore how much of a problem substance misuse is amongst young people. We ask what can be done to support young people struggling with substance misuse, and how the often conflicting messages in the media about what is and isn’t harmful can cause challenges when tackling drug and substance misuse.  Joining us for this discussion is Julie Poling, Service Manager for Hampshire 24/7 Young People’s Substance Misuse Service, and Katy Bumstead, Service Manager for Surrey Young People’s Substance Misuse Service.  Join in the conversation at #catch22minutes and visit our website at catch-22.org.uk  How Catch22 can support: Find out about our substance misuse services: https://bit.ly/46kAw6M Find out about Hampshire 24/7 service: https://bit.ly/46ltvTd Find out about Surrey Young People’s Substance Misuse service: https://bit.ly/3XmoJkr

In this episode of Catch22Minutes, we take a look at how we can rethink the approach to young people's mental health services through one of our own services, The Hive. The Hive is a free mental health and wellbeing service that supports all young people age 16-24 in London. Based at The Hive building in Camden, they support young people with mental health, personal development, health and wellbeing, sexual health, employment and education, and substance misuse. The Hive delivers support in a combination of 1 to 1 sessions, group work, a sexual health clinic, and crucially, through a social hub. Essentially, the Hive delivers mental health support to young people in a very different way.  To explore The Hive model and to discuss its effectiveness, we are joined by Krystal Donaldson, Service Manager at the Hive, and Katie Clayton, Clinical Team Lead for Camden and Islington NHS Trust.  Join in the conversation at #catch22minutes and visit our website at catch-22.org.uk  Helpful Links: About The Hive: https://www.catch-22.org.uk/services/the-hive/ The Hive: a coordinated approach to support young people’s mental health: http://bit.ly/3zTTu5k

In this episode of Catch22Minutes, we’ll be exploring what safeguarding actually means in practice and why it’s so important. We’ll also be looking at the inequity that can occur in safeguarding and ask why some groups are sometimes safeguarded better than others. Safeguarding involves taking measures to protect the health, wellbeing, and human rights of individuals. This allows young people, children, and vulnerable adults to live free from abuse, harm, and neglect. When safeguarding goes wrong, the consequences can be catastrophic, but when it is done well, it allows some of the most vulnerable in society to live safely and to thrive. We are joined by the Directors of Listen Up Janine Davis and Daniel Morris. Listen Up’s mission it is to amplify the experiences of minorities and marginalised children and young people until all children are seen, heard, and protected. Join in the conversation at #catch22minutes and visit our website at catch-22.org.uk  Helpful Links: Listen Up Research: http://bit.ly/3DYRjzV Professional Inter-Adultification Model: http://bit.ly/3Klxxmj

In this episode of Catch22Minutes, we’ll be discussing county lines. For children and young people who are victims of county lines activity the impact on their lives, and the lives of those around them, can be devastating. We know that grooming techniques are becoming more advanced, and that escaping the clutches of these perpetrators can be incredibly difficult. What techniques are perpetrators using to lure children into county lines activity? Why are victims seemingly getting younger? What is being done to support children and young people being caught up in county lines activity? And what can be done to tackle it? We are joined by Johnny Bolderson, Senior Service Manager for Catch22’s County Lines Support and Rescue Service, and James Houghton, Safeguarding Operational Lead for the British Transport Police’s County Lines Taskforce. Join in the conversation at #catch22minutes and visit our website at catch-22.org.uk  How Catch22 can help: https://bit.ly/3XKA7X3 Helpful Links: County Lines Support and Rescue Service: http://bit.ly/3HiiE0A  British Transport Police and County Lines: http://bit.ly/40olgTp

In this episode of Catch22Minutes, we'll be discussing the topic of online harms. The online world presents huge opportunities for finding purpose, connection, and community. Our world heavily relies on the internet in order to find work, to connect with services, to be entertained, to keep in touch with loved ones. But the online world can also present significant risks for children and young people. It’s a fast moving space, and the threat of online grooming and exposure to harmful content is undoubtedly growing.  We are joined by Vicky Young, Senior Helpline Manager at the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, and Sarah Parker, Research Development Officer for the Young People, Families, and Communities Hub at Catch22.  Join in the conversation at #catch22minutes and visit our website at catch-22.org.uk   How Catch22 can help: http://bit.ly/3IMyzXA  Helpful Links:  Report Remove tool http://bit.ly/3CPjOPK  NSPCC Online Safety advice for parents and professionals http://bit.ly/3Ha1DXV  UK Safer Internet Centre guides to a range of social media apps and platforms http://bit.ly/3iBAhAt  Internet Watch Foundation report button for the anonymous reporting of child sexual abuse images and videos http://bit.ly/3WdjqBB  Internet Matters Guides and resources for parents and professionals http://bit.ly/3XCvY6P  Social Switch Project resources for parents and professionals http://bit.ly/3XgevRO  Stop It Now! http://bit.ly/3QGxtyz  Parent Protect http://bit.ly/3w8RGmY  ThinkUknow http://bit.ly/3QKhLlZ  Childline managing digital footprints http://bit.ly/3XCwOR1  CEOP report http://bit.ly/3Xh1xmG  It’s time we talked (about pornography) http://bit.ly/3H87U6c

In this special episode of Catch22Minutes, we take a break from our third series to discuss constructive resettlement. Constructive resettlement is an evidence-based framework that empowers practitioners to support children and young people on their own personal journeys, enabling them to shift their identities away from crime and towards a positive, pro-social future. In this episode, Judah Armani, our partner from public service design practise, interviews Helen Dyson and Naomi McGrath; Helen Dyson is the Director of Justice and Health and Business Development at Nacro, Naomi McGrath is the Senior Operations Manager for Social Justice and Rehabilitation at Catch22. Judah, Naomi and Helen explore the 5 C’s which enables constructive resettlement: (constructive, co-created, customised, consistent and co-ordinated), as well as the importance of these in the successful rehabilitation of children and young people.

In this episode of Catch22Minutes, we'll be discussing the topic of care-leavers and criminalisation. Why is it that while care-leavers aged 16-18 make up less than 1% of the under-18 population, estimates suggest that over 25% of young offenders, and over 50% of people in secure children's centres have been in care. What are the factors that mean young people in care are more likely to be criminalised than those outside the care system? What support is available to them? And ultimately, how can the numbers of care-experienced children and young people being criminalised be reduced?  We are joined by Ben Twomey, Director of Policy and Communications at the National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS), and Victoria Odude, Steering Group Representative at the Young People's Benchmarking Forum (YPBMF). Join in the conversation at #catch22minutes and visit our website at catch-22.org.uk  Helpful Links: How Catch22 can support: http://bit.ly/3YtmwUD National Youth Advocacy Service: Find out more about advocacy, return interviews or regulation 44 services, you can visit the NYAS website: https://www.nyas.net/ Home Office guidance that includes 10 factors that heighten a person’s vulnerability to county lines exploitation: http://bit.ly/3HoPAq6 NYAS' 'Trouble with the Law’ campaign: http://bit.ly/3iP0H17  National Leaving Care Benchmarking Forum: Find out more about NLCBF and YPBMF: https://www.leavingcare.org Read more about bridging the gap in transitional safeguarding: http://bit.ly/3Ykkypd 

In this episode of Catch22Minutes, we explore how and why children go missing, how it can be prevented, and the signs that a missing episode may be linked to exploitation. We cover what to do if you’re worried that a child is missing, and discuss the response to missing children, including the good, and not so good, practice that can make a real difference as to whether a child goes missing again. We are joined by Josie Allan, Senior Partnerships and Policy Manager at Missing People, and James Simmonds Read, National Prevention Programme Manager at The Children’s Society. Join in the conversation at #catch22minutes and visit our website at catch-22.org.uk  Helpful Links: How Catch22 can support: http://bit.ly/3XKA7X3 Missing People: Website: http://bit.ly/3B1WP34 Report on care-experienced children and young people about their experience of being reported missing: http://bit.ly/3VpaYzx An exploratory study into family experiences of child criminal exploitation: http://bit.ly/3gUGRAX The Children’s Society: Website: http://bit.ly/3uh1bj4 #LookCloser Campaign, tackling child exploitation: http://bit.ly/3VoX3tj Resources: http://bit.ly/3GZL40S Tackling Child Exploitation Programme’s Join the Dots framework:  http://bit.ly/3uiQEnH

Catch22 traces its roots back to the late eighteenth century and lays claim to the initiation of a range of public services from education to probation. For many of the statutory services we know today, they started off as ideas and then became services delivered by private and voluntary organisations – such as Catch22. Today host Josie Cochrane is joined by Catch22’s former CEO Chris Wright. From his early days as a social worker to leading Catch22 through the immense changes for nearly two decades, he’s been a huge advocate for the power of social enterprises and the importance of public sector innovation. As he hands over the reins to Catch22 CEO Naomi Hulston, we talk about public services, the changes he’s seen over the years, and the future of public sector procurement. #Catch22Minutes

‘Hidden victims’ are people who do not access victim services, even though these services are free and independent of the police. Hidden victims are not included in official crime statistics. From those dealing with homelessness or domestic or sexual violence to those who are very young or elderly, their under-reporting means funding does not get sufficiently allocated to these groups of particularly vulnerable groups.  At the same time, the term ‘victim’ too often feels disempowering to those affected by crime. How do we better reach those in need of support? And what can we do to empower all victims in today’s justice system?  To discuss this, Catch22Minutes host Josie Cochrane is joined by Emma Jones, Catch22's Director of Victim Services, and Millie Gant, Juniper Lodge Manager - a sexual assault referral centre based in Leicestershire. catch-22.org.uk #Catch22Minutes

4.6 million people are affected by fraud each year and around 700,000 will go on to suffer profoundly as a result of its impact. As incidences of fraud continue to grow, as do the sophisticated methods behind different types of fraud, so too will the impact on people’s lives. Joining today’s episode is Kevin McGetrick, Head of Victims Services and Commissioning at the Hertfordshire OPCC, and Neil Postins, Service Delivery Manager for the National Economic Crime Victim Care Unit, headquartered at the City of London police. You’ll also hear from one of Beacon Victim Care’s case workers, discussing the myths around romance fraud and the impact it has. Join the conversation using #catch22minutes Catch-22.org.uk

COVID-19 has accelerated the use of technology across the justice sector - from virtual court hearings to video support visits. The challenge now is to ensure innovation continues. We know good people and a purpose are key to helping prison leavers rehabilitate into our communities, so how do we do all this while ensuring human relationships remain the priority? Hosted by Josie Cochrane, joining us today is James Levy from Socrates360 and Code4000’s Jim Taylor. Socrates are developers of technology, supporting staff in both prisons and the community. Code4000 trains prisoners to become software developers, and then supports them into launching their careers on release, minimising reoffending. #Catch22Minutes

Restorative justice gives victims the opportunity to be heard and the offender the chance to  repair the harm done – all through a supportive, controlled environment. It can involve an in-person facilitated discussion, letters or recorded messages between the victim and offender. Research also suggests it results in at least a 14% reduction in the frequency of reoffending, and an 85% victim satisfaction rate.   In this episode, Catch22Minutes host Josie Cochrane is joined by Detective Superintendent Chris Baker from Leicestershire Police, and Charlotte Caulkin, Director of the Restorative Engagement Forum which delivers restorative justice and restorative practice across the UK, including through working with Catch22’s justice and education teams.   You’ll also hear from Jas Purewal from our Victim First team based in Leicestershire. Jas leads the team’s restorative justice work, and tells us more about a recent case involving a mother and daughter.   #Catch22Minutes Catch-22.org.uk

Effective service design and delivery is essential in public services. Whether it is improving outcomes for prison leavers or transforming the education system, we all want to create meaningful impact. Joined today by Cell Workout creator LJ Flanders, and Head of Social Impact Challenge Lab, Judah Armani, we discuss the challenges with co-creation and how we can overcome these to better innovate public services across the entire justice sector.  Hosted by Catch22 Communications Manager Josie Cochrane. Visit catch-22.org.uk #Catch22Minutes

Youth violence and gang-related harm are serious public health issues. While it’s a proportionately small number of young people involved, they have a disproportionately large impact on the communities around them in parts of the UK. There is a strong relationship between socioeconomic factors and gang involvement; exclusion from school, ethnicity, lack of employment prospects, lack of positive role models, and poor housing or homelessness are all cited as factors for joining gangs. Joining host Josie Cochrane, today Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner for West Midlands Tom McNeil joins us, alongside Daniel Cunningham from the Straight Up service in Birmingham. Commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions, Straight Up is a holistic one-to-one service, delivered by Catch22, supporting those either at risk of or associated with gangs into training and employment. Join the conversation at #Catch22Minutes and visit our website at catch-22.org.uk

Much of the UK’s criminal justice sector recruits people with lived experience of the justice system as volunteer supporters. These ‘peer mentors’ or ‘peer volunteers’ take on a range of different roles within organisations, both within prisons and in the community, hugely supporting services. Peer volunteers can benefit from the experience of giving back and improving their own self-confidence, and evidence suggests peer volunteering amongst prisoners can also prevent re-offending. Today, Catch22’s Josie Cochrane explores the power of peer mentors, the challenges, and some of the considerations needed when working with peer mentors. We are joined by Russell Webster, a well-known commentator on justice issues and a member of the Advisory Group for Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation, and David Breakspear. David, with lived experience and part of RECONNECT, helped Russell with the development of a best practice guide on how to support peer volunteers. Catch-22.org.uk #catch22minutes https://www.russellwebster.com/peers-who-volunteer-a-guide-on-how-to-support-people-with-lived-experience/

Foreign Nationals make up 11% of a total prison population in the UK. HMP Wandsworth has a significant Foreign National population, so much so that in 2021 they mobilised a Foreign National Service, now delivered by Catch22. In most prisons there is no specific support for these individuals, despite their needs being complex and the need for specialist knowledge and support – from language barriers to understanding their rights, support for this cohort is particularly urgent when could face deportation, after spending much of their lives in the UK. To discuss the challenges UK prisons face with Foreign National offenders, the impact these challenges have on individuals themselves, and how the justice system can address both, we are joined by Geoff Smith, Director at BEST – the Befriending and Support Team for Foreign Nationals, and Naomi McGrath, Senior Operations Manager in Catch22’s Justice Hub. The episode is hosted by Catch22’s Josie Cochrane. Catch-22.org.uk #Catch22Minutes

In the UK, there are currently more than 370,000 cases waiting to be heard in magistrate's courts and 60,000 cases waiting to come before the Crown Courts, which handles the most serious cases. Today's episode welcomes Dame Vera Baird, Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales, and Harvey Redgrave, CEO of Crest Advisory – the UK research team dedicated to crime and justice issues.  Hosted by Catch22's Josie Cochrane, we discuss the impact the delays are having on both victims and defendants, how we can reduce these delays, and how technology can reduce the burden on all involved - including for individuals, courts, and victim services themselves.  #catch22minutes catch-22.org.uk

With reoffending rates costing society over £18 billion a year in the UK, helping prison leavers to re-enter our communities is urgently needed. With good people around them, a safe place to live, and a purpose in life, people with criminal convictions can significantly contribute to our society.  In this first episode of Catch22Minutes of Justice we explore how and why re-integration reduces the chances of reoffending. Why is successful reintegration into the community so important for prison leavers and society?  What are the societal challenges? And what support do we know is already working? Hosted by Catch22's Communications and Marketing Manager, Josie Cochrane, we are joined by Jacob from Offploy – a recruitment network supporting those with criminal convictions into meaningful work – and Noel, from Penal Reform Solutions.  Join in the conversation at #catch22minutes and visit our website at catch-22.org.uk 

It's the final episode of Catch22Minutes' Youth Employment series. In this first series, we have focussed on youth unemployment and the challenges ahead. We have heard from employers and charities, from those working directly with young people and from those operating in specific job sectors. We’ve talked about what needs to be done to reduce the employment gap and support young people into good, sustainable jobs.  While we have shared young peoples' stories in every episode, today we are joined by David Jordan Khanu and Bipin Khanal, members of the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit’s Young People’s Advisory Group. They'll be responding to the question: Is reducing youth unemployment as much the responsibility of young people as it of government, businesses and others? You'll hear about Jordan and Bipin's lives and what has helped them at the very start of their career journey. Jordan is currently studying sports and exercise science at the University of Portsmouth, and Bipin has recently launched his design business, Illustrated Prints.

During this first series of Catch22Minutes, we've covered a host of topics relating to youth employment – from digital skills, green jobs, and the hospitality sectors, to apprenticeships and how employment is key for diversion from youth violence and preventing re-offending. We have highlighted some excellent examples of the employability programmes that exist to support young people to get the skills and the confidence to enter today's job market. In one of the last episodes of 2021, we’re asking 'what makes good employability support?'. What is it that young people furthest from the job market need to break into the world of work? Which programmes are working and why? And what are employers doing to diversify their talent pool? To discuss this and more, we're joined by Elizabeth Taylor, Chief Executive of the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) and Lisa Jardim, Learning and Engagement Manager Arcus FM, the facilities management company. Arcus FM recently won ERSA's Employer of the Year Award, following their support of Catch22's young job seekers.  Hosted by Melissa Milner #Catch22Minutes catch-22.org.uk 

Around 66,000 people leave prison in the UK every year. But figures show only 25% of men leave prison and go into some form of employment and the statistic for women is even lower at 20%. Having a job greatly reduces the likelihood of reoffending – and with the yearly cost of reoffending at £18 billion, getting this right could have a significant impact. The government’s recently published prison strategy white paper sets out a plan to get offenders into work – introducing a new job-matching service, pairing offenders up with vacancies in the community, and dedicated employment advisors within prisons to help offenders find work. Discussing this and more, we are joined by Darren Burns, National Recruitment Ambassador at Timpsons, and Kate Carr, Campaigns Manager at Business In The Community, who run the Ban the Box initiative. You’ll also hear Amanul Islam’s story, a Code4000 graduate. Code4000 trains prisoners in coding, and then supports them to get into long-term software development jobs.

The government has pledged to create two million green jobs by 2030. But according to consultancy PwC, just 1.2% of all advertised job roles in the last year were linked to the green economy. So if this ambitious target is to be met, then green jobs could – and should – play a key role in helping tackle youth unemployment. In this episode of Catch22Minutes we ask: What is a green job? How key are green jobs to tackling youth unemployment? And are we seeing more young people wanting to take on jobs that deliver social and environmental impact? We discuss what needs to be done not only to increase the number of green jobs but to get young people excited about them. Our guests today are Dina Potter, Vice President and Global Head of Social Impact at National Grid, and Luke Murphy, Associate Director for Energy, Climate, Housing and Infrastructure at the Institute of Public Policy Research and Head of IPPR's Environmental Justice Commission. Hosted by Melissa Milner #Catch22Minutes catch-22.org.uk

Many of us have experienced the benefits of our social capital when job hunting – whether it’s a referral from a friend of a friend, a former colleague, or just meeting someone at the event you happened to get an invite to. Social capital brings networks, it brings trust and security, and it brings a sense of belonging. With that, it brings individuals the confidence to step up and stand out in the workplace. Research has shown that social capital can even predict work performance – and it helps with job searching, pay and the potential for promotions. In today’s episode, we’re joined by Charlotte Turner, Director of Bean Research – whose focus is on social impact research and Lee Elliot Major, the UK’s first Professor of Social Mobility, based at the University of Exeter, whose work is dedicated to improving the prospects of disadvantaged young people.

From bringing in a broader range of perspectives to understanding your clients or customers better, the benefits of a diverse workforce are huge. But if it’s so beneficial, why do many organisations struggle with inclusive recruitment? Why is it that the employment rate for disabled people is 29 percentage points below the non-disabled rate? And why is the percentage of unemployed people from Black and Minority Ethnic groups twice that of the White British population? On today’s episode of Catch22Minutes, we welcome Antonia Tony-Fadipe, Inclusive Hiring Lead at The Body Shop UK & Global, and Vanessa Johnson-Burgess, Chief Executive of Inclusive Recruitment. You’ll also hear from Hayley Campbell who received support from Catch22’s Inspiring Families Programme when she was facing her own barriers to employment. Hosted by Melissa Milner Visit catch-22.org.uk #Catch22Minutes Contact Josie Cochrane at [email protected] if you’d like to feature in a future episode.

In the latest figures, apprenticeship starts are down by about 7% compared to last year. That was despite financial incentives being put in place to encourage businesses to take on apprentices. But could apprenticeships boost youth employment? What impact are Government incentives having in practice? And what are the benefits to businesses and young people in embarking on an apprenticeship? We’ll be exploring all this, and more, with Kirstin Steinmetz, Director of Workforce Development at Salesforce, and Kathleen Henehan, Senior Research and Policy Analyst at the Resolution Foundation. You’ll also hear from Habiba, who is nine months into her Multiverse digital marketing apprenticeship at Catch22. Hosted by Catch22 Director of Communications Melissa Milner Visit catch-22.org.uk #catch22minutes

In the UK, more than 720,000 young people aged 16-24 are classed as NEET (not in education, employment or training). Studies show that time spent NEET can have a detrimental effect on physical and mental health, and increase the likelihood of unemployment, low wages, or low quality of work later on in life. It can also increase some young people’s risk of serious violence.   Despite the fact that 18-25 year olds represent just 10% of the UK population, they account for 30% of all police cases. And the reoffending rate for young adults is significantly higher than all other young adults in the criminal justice system.   So how can employment-related support divert young people away from risky behaviours? And what does it take to motivate and engage the younger generation and work with them to find purpose and transition into work?   Joining us for today’s episode of Catch22Minutes, is Darwin Bernardo, Community Engagement Lead at the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, and Stephen Greene, CEO of Apprentice Nation and Rockcorps. You will also hear from Anthony Owuso-Ansah who completed The Social Switch Project’s training and is now completing an apprenticeship at Google.   Hosted by Catch22 Director of Communications Melissa Milner catch-22.org.uk

For many young people, first jobs are simply a way of making some money, often whilst studying or seeking something more permanent. But a good first job can provide valuable skills or insight into an industry that you’d not considered before. Joined by Sam Olsen, CEO of Movement to Work, and David Allison, CEO of Get My First Job, we discuss first jobs and how we can tackle underemployment – where people find themselves in roles that are low-paid, low-skilled and insecure. You’ll also hear from Savannah Dixon, currently on the government’s Kickstart programme and working at Catch22 supporting the employability and NCS teams on their social media.