Release to work programme with Serco 

Everyone deserves a second chance and Kohuora, Auckland South Corrections Facility, is looking for supportive employers to help deliver their Release to Work programme.  

Release to Work allows minimum security prisoners (paiāki) who have been assessed as suitable to engage in paid employment in the community, go to work every day and return to prison at the end of every day. Employment experience in the community while still serving their sentence has proven to be a significant factor in paiāki gaining permanent employment on release. 

“The paiāki have not only completed their rehabilitation during their sentence, but they’ve also worked for at least nine months under observation by custodial and other staff before they are trusted to work into the community,” said Brad Stewart, ASCF’s Reintegration Hub Lead. 

A release to work placement gives an employer the opportunity to access a pool of skilled workers and employ someone on a fixed term basis. It also offers them the satisfaction of knowing they have made a real difference by giving someone a second chance. 

“We can provide a reliable workforce. We provide transport to ensure the men turn up on time, work-ready, have their lunch packed and are eager to get started. We can also make sure they have any relevant tickets or licenses that are required.” 

The release to work programme is an important stepping stone in a prisoner’s rehabilitation and can provide a pathway towards sustainable employment on release. It gives prisoners real work experience, employment skills and job stability, making it easier for them to find work on release – which makes it less likely they’ll re-offend. They are paid market wages, which helps them look after themselves and families once they are released. 

“We work with employers and help manage the whole process.  When aligning with the community and local employers to support each man’s reintegration, we can accomplish great things” says Brad.