HM Prison & Probation Service

HM Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS), an executive agency of the Ministry of Justice established in 2004 as the National Offender Management Service and rebranded in 2017, oversees correctional services across England and Wales, including prisons, probation, and youth custody. Its core mission is to protect the public by rehabilitating offenders through education, training, employment support, and therapeutic interventions to reduce reoffending and enable community reintegration. Guided by principles of public protection, reform, decency, and partnership, HMPPS uniquely commissions voluntary sector providers via strategic funds like the Regional Outcomes and Innovation Fund (ROIF) and Rehabilitation Grants Scheme, emphasizing evidence-led innovation over traditional philanthropy.

HMPPS prioritizes projects supporting rehabilitation, resettlement, and reoffending reduction, addressing barriers such as trauma, addiction, mental health, employability, and social reintegration. Beneficiaries include adults, young people, women, and vulnerable individuals in or leaving custody, with funded activities like trauma-informed programs for women (e.g., Creating Community Connections), mentoring (e.g., CIPD Trust), skills development (e.g., St Giles), and multi-agency pathways to employment, education, and housing. It favors partnerships delivering scalable, impact-measured outcomes aligned to justice system goals.

Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities, community groups, and social enterprises delivering in England and Wales, with no income thresholds or religious restrictions; grassroots to larger organizations qualify if demonstrating relevant experience. Grants range from £500 to £450,000 (typically £50,000–£150,000 annually, up to three years), supporting project delivery and capacity building but excluding profit-making. Applications follow a two-stage process (PQQ EOI then full bid) via the Grants Portal during fixed rounds—no unsolicited submissions—with the next deadline 6 October 2025 for the 2026-2029 scheme. Distinctively, as a statutory funder, HMPPS demands rigorous evaluation and governmental alignment, differentiating it from independent foundations.