Justice Services
Everywhere in the world, governments are seeking solutions to prevent re-offending and encourage inmate rehabilitation. With this goal in mind, Sodexo designs, builds and provides services in prisons, and the community.
Ethical criteria
As a multinational company, Sodexo is committed to promoting democratic values such as fundamental human rights and equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of their origin or beliefs.In our work in prisons, this means:
We only operate in prisons in democratic countries that do not have the death penalty;
The goal of the institutions we serve must be consistent with our overall approach to improving living conditions and providing opportunities for rehabilitation to prevent re-offending;
Our staff do not carry firearms.
Preventing re-offending
Repeat offenses are a major risk after release from prison. The specific programs we offer at our prisons aim to reduce the rate of re-offending.Understanding in order to change
To help inmates grasp the consequences of their acts, our teams have developed programs focused on their responsibilities and circumstances.
Our work sessions bring together delinquents and victims in discussion groups where offenders are made to realize the consequences of criminal acts. The groups take an honest look at the effects of crime, the harm it causes to others and the importance of being accountable for one’s actions. During the sessions, offenders explore individually the notion of “personal responsibility”. In the United Kingdom, our Sycomore Tree program supports prisoners during the process of developing awareness and changing their behavior.
Vocational training
Possessing an employable skill is critical for successful re-entry into mainstream society. It allows inmates to set goals for themselves and have credible job prospects when they are released. Given the time, it is often possible to learn a trade in prison!Preparing for employment on the outside
Our experts design programs to facilitate vocational rehabilitation, limit re-offending and prepare for release.
Because each person is unique, we believe it is important to assess the individual needs of each prisoner to develop a customized program in consultation with the penitentiary administration. The program is designed to foster lasting vocational rehabilitation by helping the individual acquire life skills and qualifications and benefit from in-house training modules and job placement. This is the approach we adopt in France, for example, through an original, targeted rehabilitation program called Inserxo.
At the Forest Bank prison in the United Kingdom, we have set up a training workshop known as Food for thought. In a professional kitchen, prisoners learn how to plan meals and acquire valuable experience and qualifications to maximize their chances of finding employment upon release. More broadly, where we have provided a combination of housing, training and a bank account the rate of re-offending for this cohort of prisoners has reduced from 67% to 37%. A remarkable reduction.
Building a healthy outlook
Activities such as painting, singing, writing and acting develop the imagination and creativity of prisoners to boost their self-esteem by often discovering skills they never had and help them acquire a more positive view of life.Progressing through art
Artistic expression can give inmates something to hold on to. By exploring their imagination and creativity, they can express themselves and achieve self-knowledge. Our learning programs are conducive in particular to helping prisoners become conscious of asocial attitudes and draw the line at unacceptable behavior.
This is the aim of the Reflex program Sodexo has rolled out in the United Kingdom. It allows prisoners to learn how to express themselves in a positive way and harness their creativity in determining their choices in life. By exploring the topics of addiction and discrimination in plays, writing and music, they come to realize how their moods and actions affect their everyday life.
Pictora, a social enterprise co-founded by Sodexo, plays an active role by marketing artwork produced by prisoners.
Right to housing
Finding housing after a long period of incarceration is often a challenge for former inmates. At Forest Bank prison in the United Kingdom, we help them find accommodation through an active partnership policy.Assisting prisoners
Thanks to the combined efforts of housing aid associations, local authorities and private owners, prisoners receive effective assistance.
Prior to their release, most of them have already signed a lease guaranteeing they will have a roof over their head. Similarly, in collaboration with companies like the Co-operative Bank, we see to it that inmates are able to open a bank account when they leave prison.
This gives them the opportunity to lead a normal life.