Ex-offenders should influence policy

Unlocking Potential is the result of a taskforce led by criminal justice agency support organisation Clinks, involving charities The Prince's Trust, the Prison Reform Trust, Unlock, Action for Prisoners' Families and two former offenders. It follows a year-long consultation with the voluntary and statutory sectors.

The report found involving offenders, former offenders and their families in the development of criminal justice policies and services would improve rehabilitation and reduce crime. It also said more letters, phone calls and cell visits would have particular benefits for young offenders.

Rob Allen, chair of the taskforce, said that offenders, former offenders and their families had the knowledge and experience to make the criminal justice system more effective.

"These groups hold a key to help unlock the potential for a safer and more inclusive society," he said. "In other areas of social policy it is common to engage with people to ensure their treatment and recovery is effective. But in the field of criminal justice, it is as though a conviction removes any chance of having your point of view taken seriously."

Paul Cavadino, chief executive of crime reduction charity Nacro said: "Involving offenders and ex-offenders in shaping penal policy and rehabilitation services is just basic common sense. In planning ways of dealing with offenders with the best chance of reducing reoffending, we must learn from the unique experience of people who have been at the sharp end of the penal system."