CEES Panel Event - 26th November '24
From Prison Cells to Start-ups: Entrepreneurship's Role in Rehabilitation
The recent CEES panel event on prison entrepreneurship was a highly engaging and thought-provoking discussion that shed light on the critical role entrepreneurial training can play in supporting the rehabilitation of individuals in prison.
Dr Lee Wainwright led the following panel, who kindly travelled to Leeds to join the discussion:
Jemma En Rose - Project Lead, RIFT, Training Women in Prison
Ian Carlier - CEO of Momentic, Chair of the Employment Advisory Board at HMP Sudbury
Sobanan Narenthiren CEO of Breakthrough Social Enterprise, Former Prisoner
Each panel member brought their unique perspective and shared compelling personal stories, providing a deeply human insight into the challenges they have encountered while delivering entrepreneurial programmes within the prison system.
The speakers highlighted several significant obstacles, including the persistent struggle to secure adequate funding, navigating complex and often rigid bureaucratic processes, and overcoming entrenched negative or sceptical attitudes towards entrepreneurship as a legitimate and effective tool for rehabilitation. These barriers, they noted, often complicate efforts to create meaningful opportunities for individuals in prison to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.
The conversation was rich with detail and conveyed an acute sense of urgency for change, particularly in addressing the UK’s alarmingly high recidivism rates. The panel highlighted entrepreneurship and self-employment training as pragmatic and transformative pathways that equip offenders with skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose, enabling them to break free from cycles of criminality.
Attendees praised the event for its insightful and well-informed discussion, which not only illuminated the challenges but also celebrated the successes of these programmes in fostering personal growth and reducing reoffending. The event served as an eye-opener for many, underscoring the need for a more supportive and innovative approach to rehabilitation within the UK’s criminal justice system.
