Decision details

In October 2024, the Deputy Mayor approved that The Big Life Group be awarded £72,157 as the lead provider for the provision of the ‘Pick Up at The Gate’ Wellbeing pilot for a 12-month period from the 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025.

As the lead provider, The Big Life Group agreed to provide in-house triage support for referrals from pre-release Probation Practitioners before transferring transport facilitation to On the Out, a local Community Interest Company (nonprofit) helping former prisoners overcome barriers and challenges on release.

On the Out actively recruit and employ ex-prisoners to support other ex – prisoners ensuring they occupy positions of leadership and influence using a thorough recruitment process to manage risk. They require evidence of positive behaviour, avoid hiring individuals with sexual, hate, or vulnerable person offenses, and do not employ those actively in addiction. References and Probation Practitioner permission are required for those on the licence. Enhanced DBS checks and risk assessments are conducted, with no lone work allowed until checks are complete. New employees undergo induction and shadowing to ensure competency.

The vetting procedure for all providers working with HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) involves several key steps to ensure security and suitability. However, some of the On the Out support workers identified to facilitate transport on the day of release have not cleared vetting to enable the access and security required. As a result, The Big Life Group will provide extra support and resilience to cover staff holidays and sickness.

This has increased the cost of the service from £72,157 to £91,912.97 and additional funding of £19,655.97 is required and has been agreed between Big Life and GM HMPPS.

The Big Life Group be awarded an additional £19,655.97 as the lead provider for the provision of the ‘Pick Up at The Gate’ Wellbeing pilot.