Pioneering new approaches to the integration of people who have been sentenced: Key insights for correctional professionals across Europe

In a groundbreaking effort to enhance vocational education and training within the correctional sector, the IPS-partnered PROMOTE initiative has successfully concluded its initial phase of comprehensive research and development. This lays the foundation for a unique European skills ecosystem dedicated to improving the integration of people who have been sentenced.

The recently completed phase of the PROMOTE project has yielded significant results, focusing on understanding and addressing the evolving skill needs within the correctional sector:

Comprehensive skills assessment through DACUM workshops: Intensive DACUM (Developing A Curriculum) workshops were conducted across nine participating countries (Denmark, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and Turkey). These workshops gathered critical insights directly from several professionals from diverse institutions and backgrounds in each country, involved in community integration. This represented an unprecedented bottom-up effort to identify current and future skill needs and gaps for professionals in the correctional sector.

Extensive research and best practice identification: The project conducted over 100 surveys and 20 interviews in each of the 8 countries with professionals working with convicted persons. This research also involved identifying and documenting 5 inspiring practices that demonstrate effective approaches to professional development and offender reintegration, alongside a review of relevant policies and training frameworks across Europe.

Development of enhanced occupational profiles: Based on the robust data collected, the project has developed and validated comprehensive occupational profiles for professionals working with people who have been sentenced. These profiles accurately reflect the essential skills and competencies required for their roles and responsibilities, incorporating insights and aligning with the ESCO (European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations) framework.

Foundation for a European skills ecosystem: The culmination of these efforts has established the foundational elements for a dynamic “European Ecosystem of correctional skills.” This unique framework is designed to empower both prison and non-prison staff working people who have been sentenced:, significantly enhancing their capacity to support successful community integration upon release.

Why this matters: A unique focus on adult education and integration

These findings highlight the essential requirement for an integrated, multi-sectoral approach to professional development in the correctional field. By equipping professionals with the right skills, particularly in supporting adult education for justice-involved individuals, the PROMOTE project directly contributes to reduced recidivism, enhanced social inclusion, and the creation of a more just society.

The insights generated by PROMOTE’s initial phase will directly enable correctional professionals to provide better services and support for community integration and desistance. This, in turn, is expected to increase their employability and mobility, fostering new career opportunities within and across sectors and countries.

About the PROMOTE project:

The IPS-partnered PROMOTE project – Promoting Integrated Professional Development for Prison Practitioners in the Field of Vocational Excellence for Offender Reintegration – is a 36-month initiative co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme, dedicated to developing an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to enhancing the skills of professionals working in correctional settings, including reintegration specialists, psychologists, social workers, and medical staff. This initiative brings together a consortium of 18 European organisations from 10 countries across Europe.

Next Steps:

Looking ahead, the PROMOTE project will focus on developing innovative digital tools, creating tailored training modules, and widely disseminating its findings and recommendations. These efforts will ensure that the invaluable lessons learned and best practices identified are shared broadly, fostering lasting impact on vocational education systems and improving outcomes for individuals within correctional contexts across Europe.