Topic Custodial, Social Value
Date 08 May 2024
Galliford Try’s Custodial and Judicial team were delighted to be the hosts of the eighth Ministry of Justice (MOJ) Supplier Day at the HMP Rye Hill expansion project.
The theme of the day was ‘Passport to Resettlement’, with workshops and seminars taking place to discuss how businesses involved in the construction of new custodial facilities can assist the ultimate aim of rehabilitating offenders and provide them with routes back into meaningful careers following their release.
The day provided the opportunity for organisations throughout the MOJ’s supply chain, working on programmes to provide new prison capacity and improve facilities in the prison estate across the country. Galliford Try welcomed 100 delegates to the event who came together to hear the latest developments from the MOJ team and share best practice.
Among the discussions was a presentation delivered on Galliford Try’s award-winning Construction Mentoring Partnership Scheme, which saw prisoners employed on its HMP High Down project, and has led to individuals involved in the scheme obtaining full-time work on their release.
Other sessions included a presentation by prison officers from G4S, explaining their routine and roles in rehabilitation, and from the third sector organisation 'Invisible Walls', an innovative service that supports prisoners and provides a link between families, children's schools, and communities to maintain relationships and reduce reoffending.
Delegates were also taken on a tour of the £95m HMP Rye Hill project, highlighting the extensive use of modern methods of construction being employed in the new cell blocks. A marketplace allowed several third sector organisations to showcase their work and how they assist suppliers to increase social value in their projects.
Steve Ripp, Galliford Try’s Director for Custodial and Judicial, commented: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to host this important event for the MOJ, allowing us to demonstrate our commitment to creating social value and prisoner rehabilitation and facilitating the sharing of best practice among all those involved.
“I thank everyone who attended for their participation, and those who worked so hard behind the scenes to make the day such a success.”
James Smith, Deputy Director & SRO for PFI Prison Expiry & Transfer at the MOJ, said: “The MOJ supplier day at HMP Rye Hill was a fantastic event that brought all those involved in the construction and operation of prison places together. The supplier days are integral in delivering MOJ’s ambition to foster true collaboration across the construction, operation, and third sector providers and facilitate innovation. It was truly inspiring to hear from frontline staff across several organisations and the passion they bring to helping rehabilitate offenders and turn their lives around. I am very grateful to Galliford Try and G4S for putting on a tremendous day.”
Watch this short video to hear MOJ and Galliford Try representatives share their own insights at the event.