WAMITAB and Amaryllis: transforming the lives of ex-offenders

Building business that benefits the British economy and puts something back into society by rehabilitating ex-offenders is the aim of the ‘New You, New Future’ programme. This joint venture between Amaryllis, a leading force in workplace management, and WAMITAB, the foremost awarding organisation in the waste management, recycling and facilities sectors, aims to provide an employment and skills development programme that truly changes lives.

The two organisations have signed a partnership agreement that focuses on supporting ex-offenders by helping them to achieve meaningful qualifications and skills whilst being employed by Amaryllis within UK prisons.

Mark Hyde, commercial director at WAMITAB, said: “This programme represents the significant steps we are taking to transform the lives of offenders while in the UK prison system and, in turn, supporting the local community to restore ex-offenders back into society. We believe that introducing this skills development programme in partnership with Amaryllis will create valuable employment opportunities both inside and outside of the prison environment that could potentially reduce future re-offending rates.

“This initiative comes at a crucial time for the UK economy and is expected to reduce our reliance on industry abroad by bringing more manufacturing, re-furnishing and recycling activities back to the UK.”

David King MBE, chief executive of Amaryllis, added: “Amaryllis is creating a network of workshops and enterprises within prisons, offering a structured and robust work discipline together with skills-specific training and development. We are currently focussed upon furniture and equipment but are expanding into new areas, such as energy from waste, and the elimination of overseas supply chains.

“The partnership with WAMITAB is fundamental to our strategy to ensure that offenders have appropriate, industry-recognised qualifications and skills to support future employment through the Amaryllis Employers’ Guild.”

For more information call WAMITAB on 01604 231950, email info.admin@wamitab.org.uk or visit www.wamitab.org.uk