Novus – Foundations for Change: Empowering Lives Through Education and Rehabilitation
In an era where the rehabilitation of offenders is crucial for reducing recidivism and building stronger communities, Novus Foundations for Change stands out as a leader in the field of offender education and skills development. With a mission to break the cycle of crime and empower individuals to transform their lives, Novus has created a unique model for education within the justice sector. Based in Manchester, England, Novus combines innovative teaching methods with dedicated support to reduce re-offending, equip individuals with life-changing skills, and provide meaningful employment opportunities post-release.
Founded in 2015 as a social enterprise, Novus, formerly known as The Manchester College – Justice Sector, operates across the United Kingdom, offering educational and rehabilitative services to people in over 50 prisons, young offender institutions, and secure settings. This article explores the mission, services, impact, and future vision of Novus Foundations for Change, alongside an insight into the organisation’s headquarters and its ongoing commitment to building sustainable change.
Mission and Vision: A Path to Rehabilitation and Positive Change
The Mission of Novus
Novus is driven by a powerful mission: to provide innovative and impactful education that reduces re-offending, promotes rehabilitation, and empowers individuals to lead productive and fulfilling lives. The organisation aims to address the educational needs of individuals in the criminal justice system by offering a wide range of courses that develop both vocational and academic skills.
Through a comprehensive approach to education, Novus seeks to divert individuals away from criminal behaviour and give them the tools they need to make a positive contribution to society. The ultimate goal is to break the cycle of reoffending and ensure that ex-offenders are reintegrated successfully into society with the skills, qualifications, and support necessary for sustained personal growth and employment.
Building on a Proud Legacy
With over 20 years of experience in the justice sector under the name “The Manchester College – Justice Sector,” Novus has a rich history of success in providing educational opportunities to individuals in prisons. The transition to a standalone social enterprise in September 2015 allowed the organisation to further refine its approach to offender rehabilitation. By working with key partners such as the Ministry of Justice and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), Novus has built a solid foundation for its future in the sector.
Novus Education Programs: Empowering Individuals for Change
Educational Offerings Tailored to Diverse Needs
At Novus, the emphasis is placed on delivering a broad spectrum of educational programmes that cater to the diverse needs of the individuals they serve. These programmes include:
1. Functional Skills
Novus offers courses in essential subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Digital Literacy. These functional skills are vital for individuals to succeed in their personal and professional lives after release from prison. Many individuals in the criminal justice system face educational disadvantages, and Novus seeks to address these gaps by offering tailored support to help learners improve their basic skills.
2. Vocational and Technical Education
In addition to core academic subjects, Novus provides vocational and technical education that prepares learners for employment in specific sectors. Courses are designed to offer practical skills that can be directly applied in the workforce. Whether it’s construction, IT, or customer service, these vocational courses provide a route to gainful employment after release.
3. Higher-Level and Distance Learning
For learners with a higher level of academic ability or ambition, Novus offers access to higher-level education opportunities, including distance learning. This flexibility allows learners to complete coursework remotely, which is especially important for individuals in custody who may have limited access to traditional educational settings.
4. Creative Arts and Personal Development
Novus also understands the value of creative expression in the rehabilitation process. The Creative Arts and Personal Development programmes provide individuals with an outlet to explore their interests, improve their mental well-being, and develop valuable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience.
Impact of Novus Educational Programmes
The Novus approach to education has proven to be effective in reducing re-offending rates. By focusing on personal development and providing the necessary tools to succeed in the outside world, Novus helps individuals reintegrate into society and prevent relapse into criminal activity. Research indicates that prisoners who engage in educational programmes are less likely to reoffend and more likely to find stable employment after their release, which can ultimately lead to a better quality of life.
Employment Pathways: Bridging the Gap to Post-Release Success
Novus Works – Supporting Employment After Release
One of the critical elements of Novus’s rehabilitation model is its Novus Works programme. This initiative helps learners transition from prison into the workforce by providing access to real job opportunities, apprenticeships, and post-release training. With partnerships with over 200 socially engaged employers, Novus Works aims to provide individuals with the support they need to gain employment once they have served their sentences.
The programme helps bridge the gap between incarceration and employment by equipping individuals with the skills, qualifications, and confidence they need to succeed in the competitive job market. By offering support both before and after release, Novus Works plays a vital role in reducing re-offending and ensuring that individuals have a chance to build a new, positive life.
Technological Innovations at Novus: Enhancing Education Delivery
Leveraging Technology to Improve Education Outcomes
Novus is committed to utilising innovative technology to enhance the quality of education offered to its learners. The organisation has adopted AI-driven tools like Teachermatic to streamline lesson planning and tailor educational content to individual learner needs. This personalised approach ensures that each learner receives the support and attention they need to succeed, regardless of their starting point.
Additionally, Novus continues to explore new ways of integrating technology into its educational offerings, ensuring that learners are equipped with the digital skills necessary to thrive in today’s tech-driven world.
Novus Headquarters and Locations: A Hub for Change in Manchester
Novus Foundations for Change Headquarters in Manchester
Novus operates out of its headquarters in Manchester, England, where it oversees a network of educational services across the country. The organisation’s headquarters is located at Ashton Old Road, Manchester, and serves as the central hub for its operations, strategic development, and collaboration with stakeholders in the justice sector. From this base, Novus is able to manage its educational services, partnerships, and innovations that impact the lives of thousands of individuals incarcerated in the UK’s prisons and secure settings.
Join the Movement for Change
Novus continues to expand its impact in the justice sector, and as a growing social enterprise, it offers a range of career opportunities for those passionate about education, rehabilitation, and social change. Whether you’re a teacher, mentor, or support staff, Novus provides the training and development necessary to help you make a real difference in the lives of others.
For more information about Novus, its programmes, and career opportunities, visit the Official Website.
Conclusion
As a pioneer in offender education, skills development, and rehabilitation, Novus Foundations for Change has demonstrated that education is a powerful tool for transformation. By offering innovative programmes that reduce re-offending and improve employability, Novus plays a crucial role in shaping a future where individuals in the criminal justice system can lead meaningful, productive lives. Through its dedication to education, partnership, and positive social impact, Novus continues to set the standard for rehabilitation in the UK.
