“Despite the lockdown and problems faced by charities within the prison reform sector, our judges were impressed with the inspirational work being done to upskill returning citizens for jobs after release or improve self-confidence through mentoring, coaching or training. The calibre of applications was high and in the end judges chose three charities which most embodied the guiding principle of Robin Corbett, that people can change with support.

We are pleased that StandOut are this year’s RCA winners, as they work tirelessly to transform the lives of people leaving prison with on-going support to motivate them to get life on track. The two other winners similarly focus on sustainable employment, the key to reintegration.”

Highly Commended winner Open The Gate project, Fine Cell Work, trains prisoners in high-quality, skilled, creative needlework undertaken in the long hours spent in their cells. It fosters hope, discipline and self-esteem. Our aim is to allow them to finish their sentences with work skills, money earned and saved, and the self-belief to not re-offend.

Commended winner Offploy focuses on employment as one of the most effective ways to reduce reoffending. It makes society safer; supports people to build their communities, and provides the next generation with positive role models who go to work not to prison. Offploy was formed by an ex-prisoner and at least 80% of the team have experienced the criminal justice system first hand.