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Inside Connections CIC

Empowering individuals to change their lives

Mission:  Creating Opportunities that Result in Progression 

We provide wrap around services and support, access to training leading to sustainable employment as a way to empower individuals to change their lives.

Making a positive impact on families and communities – creating pathways of development and opportunity - away from offending towards purposeful employment and lives.

 

We work with individuals to

  • Break barriers to progression

  • Inspire belief and confidence for change

  • Create opportunities for sustainable change

Our Services

  • In prison, probation and community: Employer open days, events and training courses

  • Youth programmes and apprenticeships

  • Employer Academies and programmes

  • Mentoring and support

  • Positive and practical learning environments

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Corbett Network, Founder Award 2021 

“The founder award is to recognise the vision and positive impact of founding members of charities, social enterprises, CIC’s, non-profit organisations with a social mission to work with those in prison and after release. John Burton and his son Ben Burton, founded Inside Connections CIC and 2017 to reduce re-offending by helping people with convictions find and keep a job. John, Ben and the team at Inside Connections provide wrap around services and support, access to training leading to sustainable employment as a way to empower individuals to change their lives.” 

The Positive Awards, Community Award 2022

“The Positive Awards are for everyone who have made a positive impact in their life. We celebrate people who have excelled in their businesses against all odds, people who are admired in the community and making a difference. We recognise John Burton and Inside Connections for the amazing support and work they do across Liverpool City Region.” 

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Corbett Network, Annual Award, 2022

The winner of 2022  prestigious Robin Corbett Award (RCA) is leading prisoner reintegration charity, Inside Connections.
 

The RCA judging panel were impressed by the practical way Inside Connections supports returning citizens from the Gate into employment with help, training and support. Judges include the Director of the Prison Reform Trust, a retired High Court Judge and President of the Prison Governors Association. 

Lady Val Corbett, Founder of the Robin Corbett Award for Prisoner Reintegration, says: “ It is a true life story that, with his background, John has turned his life around to help others, knowing the problems released prisoners have reiterating back into society. In this year alone, 182 people on their programme have achieved industry qualifications (with a 98% success rate) and 145 people have got permanent jobs. 

Inside Connections, formed in 2017, empowers individuals to change their lives just as John did and they are a worthy winner on many levels.” 

Digital Infrastructure BeFibre, Community Award 2022

“In recognition of Digital Infrastructure – BeFibre collaboration with Inside Connections CIC to develop the Centre of Excellence Training centre for Telecoms, Civils and Construction. The Training Centre represents Digital Infrastructure and Be Fibre commitment to development of their teams and the wider community to provide employment opportunities from a different talent pool.” 

To show appreciation for John and the team’s commitment to supporting people into work.” 

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Jen Cowperthwaite, Employment Lead, The Growth Company

"We have worked with Oli Sumner from Inside Connections for a number of years. His knowledge and experience of working in prisons is invaluable for the work we all do. Inside connections have brought a large employer into HMP Thorncross and have currently 30 men working via ROTL in warehouse roles.  

We have referred a number of men to Inside Connections to complete courses, such as electrical installations and CSCS. All of whom have stated that they really enjoyed the training and has allowed them to increase their employment prospects.

 

Inside connections have also directly employed some of the men, who are currently serving custodial sentences and had previously been overlooked by other employers. This is allowing the men to gain confidence, experience of work, and save some money for when they are released. This is giving the men the best chance of being successful on release.

 

Oli is always there, every step of the way, for both the employer and the men.

The support he offers ensures the whole process is a success.”

Thank you for all your hard work

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What Andy Steele had to say about us...

Last week we had the pleasure to have a guest speaker Andy Steele from @laingorourke who spoke about his military background going from a labourer role to a construction manager at Laing O’ Rourke as a result of their excellent training and Andy’s personal commitment.

The Learning Foundry awarded £3.3 million...

We are delighted to have been listed as a delivery partner with The Learning Foundry for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority AEB funding for the next 5 years!!

Call 

0800-689-1676

Email 

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