CFO
Evolution

CFO Evolution offers tailored support for offenders. CFO particularly work with those who are considered disadvantaged, are ill-equipped to effectively engage with the mainstream, face barriers preventing them from successfully reintegrating into their local community, lack the hard and softer life/functional skills required by employers and are not fully supported by existing programmes.

The provision is voluntary for participants and delivery includes through the gate elements. 

CFO Evolution

CFO Evolution offers tailored support for offenders. CFO particularly work with those who are considered disadvantaged, are ill-equipped to effectively engage with the mainstream, face barriers preventing them from successfully reintegrating into their local community, lack the hard and softer life/functional skills required by employers and are not fully supported by existing programmes.

The provision is voluntary for participants and delivery includes through the gate elements. 

About CFO Evolution Delivery


The CFO Evolution programme has four aims:

Aim 1

To provide a purpose to participants through clearly defined progression routes in custody, the community and through the gate.

Aim 2

To provide safe spaces where participants can engage in positive activities which encourage social inclusion, improve wellbeing and increase skills, including employability.

Aim 3

To increase engagement with mainstream rehabilitative services.

Aim 4

To encourage engagement with activities that help to reduce reoffending.

Participants helped to better managed their finances
Learned to disclose their offence
Improved motivation or attitude
Participants referred for further specialist support

Participant Journey

Participants can engage with CFO in custody, the community and through the gate. Engagement with CFO is voluntary and participants can engage at a speed which suits their rehabilitation. Participants can enrol with CFO at any stage.

1. Reception and Assessment

CFO Support Workers introduce the programme to offenders and assess benefits to them.

Individual needs and barriers are identified and a personal action plan is created to guide the participant’s journey through the programme.

2. Preparation for the Core Programme

Quick wins are identified by CFO Support Workers to ensure confidence and motivation whilst entering the programme.

Support here can include literacy, mentoring training, substance misuse support and more.

3. CFO Wing or Wider Custodial Support

Participants can engage on a CFO Wing, or through wider custodial support. There are 14 CFO Wings and over 70 wider custodial locations.

Wings consist of a fixed, provider-led programme with bespoke elements to suit each cohort. They are living, working environments which support integration into an establishment’s core resettlement offer. There is a shared culture across participants and staff present.

CFO Wings are welcoming spaces where individuals feel supported, understood, cared for and valued, which encourages engagement and personal progress.

For those engaging in wider custody there is support available to tackle key barriers including employability, training and preparing for release.

4. Pre-Release Preparation

As release approaches, the focus shifts to practical resettlement activities including accommodation, employment and training.

This ensures participants are better prepared for life after custody and should establish relationships with community organisations/groups to ensure a smooth transition into the community.

Read More About Custody Delivery

5. Through the Gate Support

Support continues as participants transition from custody to community.

This includes a warm handover, pre-release contact with community CFO Support Workers and connection to mainstream services.

Read More About Through the Gate Support

6. CFO Activity Hubs or Wider Community Support

Participants can engage at a CFO Activity Hub, or through wider community support. There are 33 CFO Activity Hubs and over 100 wider community locations.

Activities are tailored to each participant, allowing them to voluntarily engage at a pace which suits them. Activities can include confidence and resilience building, developing life skills, reducing social isolation and more.

CFO Support Workers remain consistent throughout to build trust and encourage engagement, whilst ensuring positive progress with mainstream services, and no duplication of provision.

7. Long-Term Community Integration

CFO Support Workers should link participants into mainstream services and prepare for exit from the programme.

Activities to achieve long term goals include employment, education and training, independent living skills and more.

The aim is for participants to become independent, connected, and positively engaged members of their community, reducing reoffending as a result.

Read More About Community Delivery

Make a referral

Making a referral to the CFO programme is simple and easy via our referral form.

CFO Referral Form

Practical Support Available

Some of the most commonly provided support for participants accessing CFO services include: 

Addressing wider barriers to accessing mainstream opportunities (addictions, low levels of literacy/numeracy, motivation and confidence levels, preparation for parole etc.) 

Overcoming practical obstacles (obtaining ID, registration with GP/dentist, support to retain or secure a tenancy) 

Through the gate support to ensure newly released individuals can continue accessing CFO services in one of the CFO Activity Hubs, or within the wider community

Securing employment, training and education opportunities for release 

Improving likelihood of securing employment (disclosure, CV creation, interview techniques, job applications, communication skills etc.) 

Practical courses (vocational, basic skills, financial literacy etc.) 

Additional skills (healthy living, money management, safeguarding, wellbeing etc.) 

Preparation for re-entering the community (awareness/use of social media, appropriate peer groups, building networks etc.) 

Specific issues facing certain cohorts (care leavers, veterans, lifers/ISPs, PCOSOs etc.) 

What CFO services are available in my area?

Visit the CFO Delivery Maps to find out.

Community Delivery Map
Custody Delivery Map
“Having recently come out of prison after 2 years, CFO has been my lifeline. I feel very welcomed by everyone and am very happy with the support I’ve received. I can only thank you all for your support to what has been a difficult time in my life.“
Ellen*, CFO Evolution Participant
“Having recently come out of prison after 2 years, CFO has been my lifeline. I feel very welcomed by everyone and am very happy with the support I’ve received. I can only thank you all for your support to what has been a difficult time in my life.“
Ellen*, CFO Evolution Participant
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