Long term City & Guilds partner Clink Restaurant Charity announces the launch of Clink Kitchens, bringing new training opportunities to thousands of prisoners across 70 facilities
We’re delighted to congratulate the Clink on the recent announcement that they will be launching their Clink Kitchens scheme, offering training, culminating in a City & Guilds qualification, across 70 prisons across the UK.
Over the next three years this scheme will allow offenders to complete their level 2 catering award through training in prison kitchens, an expansion of the existing scheme in which inmates can train in the Clink restaurants in HMPs High Down, Cardiff, Brixton and Styal.
“We have been hugely proud to work with the Clink for over 10 years and contribute to the vital work they do. With this training helping to reduce reoffending rates by 32%, this is an initiative that benefits ex-offenders and the public, by offering new opportunities to build in-demand, sought after skills and well-regarded qualifications. The expansion of this scheme is an outstanding achievement and we’re delighted to congratulate the entire Clink team.”
David Phillips, Managing Director of Skills Credentialing at City & Guilds
The Clink Kitchens scheme builds on the existing programme which has run for over a decade, with inmates running kitchens and restaurants open to the public. This scheme has helped over 2,500 ex-offenders secure employment upon release so far.
The Clink has expanded from its origins not only to new prisons, but also into event catering, providing food for a number of high profile charity events.
In 2019, the Clink received a Princess Royal Training Award from the City & Guilds foundation in recognition of their exceptional work.
“We have worked closely with The Clink for several years now, and we’re thrilled to see them expanding their programmes further. This further expansion will enable up to 2,000 men and women in prisons to achieve qualifications in hospitality and gain employment upon release, proven to dramatically reduce reoffending. We’re delighted to have been able to celebrate and acknowledge their achievements.”
Sally Eley, Foundation Director at City & Guilds
For more information about Clink Kitchens, read the full release on the Clink Charity website.