Community Payback
Nominate a ‘Community Payback’ Project for Offenders Ordered to Carry Out Unpaid Work
Community Payback is a tough and visible consequence for people who have committed a crime. Unpaid Work is one of a possible twelve requirements which make up a community sentence imposed by the courts. Each year in Hertfordshire alone, over 100,000 hours of unpaid work are carried out on community projects by offenders – equivalent to 50 working years for one man! (Or, at a minimum rate of £5.40 per hour this would equate to approximately £540,000 of labour for organisations which would not otherwise be able to afford the work.)
To qualify for this free labour, the placement provider must be either a charitable body, voluntary organisation, local authority, or in some cases a private business – just as long as the project is for the benefit of the community. Examples of work carried out over the last twelve months include the painting and decorating of schools, churches and community centre’s, the clearing and landscaping of churchyards and cemeteries, forestry work, furniture recycling, plus many other projects.
Offenders, who can be sentenced by the courts to carry out up to 300 hours unpaid work for the community, may find themselves hacking back dense undergrowth, clearing rubbish or scrubbing graffiti from walls.
Other projects may include gardening, landscaping, painting and decorating and minor building maintenance. Each team is overseen at all times by a supervisor.
The offenders must turn up on time and must not miss a session without an acceptable reason. While on the placement they must behave well and work hard. Where possible an element of training is included to enable offenders to get a job - one of the most important factors in reducing the likelihood of re-offending.
While doing this work, offenders are required to wear high-visibility jackets so the public can see the work they are doing and the contribution they are making to the community.
Probation want to hear from you. What projects do you think offenders could work on that would benefit your community?
Probation are particularly keen to receive ideas for projects that will make our community a safer place.
For guidance: to be chosen for Community Payback, a project must:
- benefit the local community
- not take away paid work from others
- be non-profit making
The Unpaid Work Unit of the National Probation Service, Hertfordshire is always looking for potential Community Payback projects. If you have an idea in mind, please contact "Hertfordhire Probation" on 01992 504444 or click on the link to ‘Nominate a Project’ on the home page of www.communitypayback.co.uk
