CFO
Evolution

CFO Evolution offers tailored support for offenders – particularly 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 builds on the success of the CFO3 and CFO Activity Hub programmes.
The learnings taken from these programmes have fed into the delivery model for CFO Evolution, including through-the-gate delivery.
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 demonstrable sense of purpose for specific cohorts of offenders with complex needs by presenting them with clearly defined progression routes spanning both the custodial and community components of their total sentence.

Aim 2

To provide safe spaces where offenders can, and importantly are, keen to engage in a range of positive activities designed to foster community buy-in, increase wellbeing and develop the skills required to navigate through the array of issues that present barriers to successful community reintegration.

Aim 3

To increase effective engagement with mainstream or core services for those groups traditionally excluded.

Aim 4

To encourage participation in activities to assist individuals to lead law abiding lives.

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

CFO Evolution Stages

CFO Evolution is a 7 stage programme including through-the-gate elements.

Stages 1-4 take place in custody, whilst stages 5-7 occur in the community.

Participants can join the CFO Evolution programme at different stages. Click below to find out more about the stages.

The CFO Evolution programme consists of a clearly defined progression route, either: 

– Beginning in custody, moving through-the-gate, continuing into the community,
and ultimately leading to successful community reintegration

– For those sentenced to community orders, beginning in the
community and leading to stabilisation within that community

– For prison leavers, not engaged during custody,
beginning in the community and leading to successful community reintegration. 

CFO Evolution offers tailored support for offenders – particularly 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. 

All delivery must complement and work alongside existing services (CRS, NFN, DWP, Probation etc.).  Support will be delivered in conjunction with OMU, Prison Employment Leads/Employment Hubs etc.  

Make a Referral

What CFO services are available in my area?

Visit the CFO Delivery Maps to find out.

Community Delivery Map
Custody Delivery Map

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

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

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

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

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

Securing employment, training and education opportunities for release 

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

“Being here I’ve broken down barriers that I wouldn’t be able to, on the wing everything is less difficult. I was sceptical, they took time and ensured that it would work. CFO has helped me communicate, it isn’t as much of a block now and I’m able to open up. I can relax, smile and let my barriers down. There are options that help maintain relationships outside.”
Scott*, CFO Participant
“Being here I’ve broken down barriers that I wouldn’t be able to, on the wing everything is less difficult. I was sceptical, they took time and ensured that it would work. CFO has helped me communicate, it isn’t as much of a block now and I’m able to open up. I can relax, smile and let my barriers down. There are options that help maintain relationships outside.”
Scott*, CFO Participant
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