Sheriffs' and Recorders' Fund

The Fund supports the rehabilitation and resettlement of prison leavers and their families, with a focus on relief from poverty, education and training, and reoffending prevention. Grants are practical and targeted, covering essentials such as clothing, interview attire, household items like beds and fridges, tools of trade, training fees, and ID documents needed for employment and services. They also partner with specialist agencies to support in-prison rehabilitation projects, including vocational programmes that boost employability. All work is concentrated within the M25 (Greater London area), serving individuals who face high recidivism risk due to resource gaps.

Eligibility is limited to individuals living within the M25 (Greater London area). Applications must come through probation officers or approved social welfare agencies – no unsolicited or self-referrals are accepted. The Fund prioritises vulnerable ex-offenders and their families, particularly those at high risk of reoffending due to lack of resources. Grants are made to individuals, not organisations, and are based on verified need.

The Fund does not support organisational costs, capital projects, or items such as passports, driving licences, mobiles, or laptops. They focus solely on person-centred resettlement needs, excluding broader institutional or non-essential personal items.

The Fund provides small, practical grants based on verified need, working closely with probation officers and partner agencies. They do not accept unsolicited applications; referrals come only through approved channels. Their approach is person-centred, with a long-standing independence from statutory funding, and they support both immediate needs and training costs, as well as in-prison rehabilitation projects.