A Natural Evolution

The Foundation Training Company (FTC) evolved from a project set up at Battersea, London in 1993, in conjunction with the New Assembly of Churches.  The project, known as the Foundation Centre, was designed to provide career training, advice, counselling and general help for local people who were either offenders on probation, ex prisoners or those at risk of offending.

The Objectives

To improve basic skills, social skills, the ability to communicate, and to develop a basic competence in keyboard and computer operations. Fundamental to the course was the aim to raise individual self-confidence and to develop a career objective focused on a lawful future. The planned outcome for participants was to progress to further training, further education, work experience or employment.

History

Over the years the project has developed into an accredited programme that has helped countless individuals towards a better life in custody and the community. 

What others say about FTC and official comment

'It was good to see the Foundation Training Company offering a really good course which raised both thinking skills and helped offenders to learn how to successfully apply for employment.' 

Phil Wheatley, former Director General of The National Offender Management Service 
after a visit to HMP Hull in 2010.

 'The Foundation Training Company, in the Eastern Region, provided very effective pre-release work and in one prison was an integral part of a very effective resettlement team, working alongside prison advisors and Citizen Advice Bureau workers.' 

Chief Inspector of Prisons Annual Report published in 2008.

'Good practice such as the model devised by the Foundation Training Company (FTC), which runs prison-based workshops and signposting, followed by local resettlement centre assistance within days of release, should be encouraged.' 

Locked Up Potential, a Policy Report by the Prison Reform Working Group 
and published by the Centre for Social Justice in 2009.