From our pioneering work at HMP Downview in 1991 to our current delivery of over 70 services across the UK, Forward have led the way within the criminal justice system to help people break the cycles of addiction, trauma, and offending through deeply effective interventions and support services.
Forward understands that the ‘rehabilitation’ of individuals in the justice system is a process towards the goal of desistance (long term abstinence from offending). Desistance from offending is complex, and possible when a person has strong Personal, Social, and Community Capital. You can read more about our approach on our desistance page.
We work with individuals, prisons, probation delivery units, and communities to establish, maintain and repair relationships that lead to connections that build personal, social, and community capital; building a safer, healthier and crime free future for all.
Our approach to service design is the same as our approach to rehabilitation; we achieve our mission in partnership with others and maximise every opportunity.
Find out more about our services for People on Probation (Commissioned Rehabilitative Services), delivered region wide in 14 areas including London.
We believe that creating lasting change within the criminal justice system isn’t something any one organisation can achieve alone.
That’s why we continue to develop strong, new partnerships. That may be working alongside large private sector providers – as we do with MITIE at HMP Millsike – or helping to nurture smaller, mission-aligned organisations through incubation and collaboration. We are committed to delivering high-quality, joined-up services that make a difference.
Our work within the justice system depends on trusted, dynamic partnerships. We work across complex environments, including prisons, probation services, and community settings where effective service delivery hinges upon cooperation, shared values, and a common focus on outcomes.
For larger organisations, we are a reliable and values-led delivery partner that brings credibility, adaptability, and measurable results – backed by lived experience and rigorous quality standards.
For smaller organisations, particularly those led by people with experience of the system, we offer meaningful collaboration, capacity-building, and the chance to work as part of a trusted and nationally recognised network.
“Since the start of the Commissioned Rehabilitative Services, we have had the privilege of working with a forward thinking, dynamic organisation that puts the needs of everyone first, no matter their past. Forward reflect our own values and core beliefs which has allowed us to successfully deliver our programme through the CRS contract on their behalf.”
- Shirl Tanner CEO Sussex Pathways
Want to learn more about our criminal justice services? Contact our Executive Director of Criminal Justice Services Emma Stuart emma.stuart@forwardtrust.org.uk.
