“Security is not a product of isolation, but of cooperation.”
– Kofi Annan (Former Secretary-General of the United Nations)
PROJECT WORKPRIS
Project WORKPRIS
Project Overview
Breaking barriers means learning from one another. International networking in the prison system strengthens not only the competencies of those working directly with incarcerated individuals but also fosters mutual respect and a shared goal of humane penal policy. A key goal of the WORKPRIS project is to further involve Third Sector Organisations (TSOs) in the social reintegration of incarcerated individuals. TSOs provide specialised support services tailored to the specific needs of prisoners, including (re)integration programmes, educational services, mental health support, and addiction treatments. These services complement and enhance the efforts of prison authorities to promote (re)integration and reduce recidivism.
WORKPRIS is an Erasmus+ -funded KA210-VET – Small-scale partnership in vocational education and training. This project actively supports the Pact for Skills ‘Liberate Skills’ and its pledge to increase the professionalisation of correctional staff. WORKPRIS aims to increase the engagement of TSOs in correctional facilities through innovative vocational education and training programmes that meet the demands of the labour market and human rights. Through flexible training models and the creation of a transnational network of professionals and trainers, we aim to build sustainable support for TSOs and promote social (re)integration, contributing to the development of safer and more inclusive communities.
Project ID: 2024-1-AT01-KA210-VET-000252330 WORKPRIS
Table of Content
Infographics
The infographics for Activity 1 of the WORKPRIS project serves as an executive summary and illustrates the key aspects of the mapping carried out within this Erasmus+ funded KA210-VET small partnership between RICHTUNGSWECHSEL, VOLONTE CZ (CZ), and CIK Trebnje (SLO).
The aim of the mapping was to gain an understanding of the current status of the involvement of third-sector organizations in correctional facilities.s
WORKPRIS External Report for the Mapping Activity and Webinar Results
The external reports on Activity 1 of the WORKPRIS project serve as a summary of the mapping and webinar results carried out within this Erasmus+ funded KA210-VET small-scale partnership between RICHTUNGSWECHSEL, VOLONTE CZ (CZ), and CIK Trebnje (SI).
The aim of the first activity was to involve third-sector organisations as well as correctional institutions in order to promote exchange and foster greater integration.
List of Competencies
The competency list was developed to define the essential skills and attributes required by staff of third-sector organizations working within correctional facilities.
Based on the results of Activity 1 of the WORKPRIS project, this list was refined during a comprehensive two-day workshop in Activity 2.
The competencies align with the Nelson Mandela Rules and reflect best practices in professional development. They are based on the expertise of over 80 professionals, including representatives from correctional institutions, third-sector organizations, and training providers from more than 17 European countries.
The list serves as a practical and sustainable resource that enables current and future trainers to assess their existing competencies, identify areas for development, and access recommendations for free online courses and materials. It functions as a dynamic tool to promote professional growth and excellence in mentoring and training university graduates working in corrections. In doing so, it contributes to high-quality support for new recruits and aids their successful integration into the justice system.
Summaries
Several presentations were given during the WORKPRIS workshop and webinar. The contents of these presentations are available here for further reading.
Mapping Results English
On the Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe (EPALE) you will find several contributions from our partner VOLONTE on the topic of WORKPRIS. The publications offer valuable insights into the activities and projects of the network and serve as an important tool for disseminating the results.
WORKPRIS In-Person Workshop
11–12 June, 2025, Prague - Czechia
The WORKPRIS workshop brought together European professionals to strengthen cooperation between Third Sector Organisations (TSOs), prison services, and other stakeholders (probation services, researchers, training academies).
Presentations and peer-led sessions showcased national models, digital tools, and good practices, while small-group work allowed participants to adapt these insights to their contexts. Key themes included TSO training and access requirements, digital tools, employment and (re)integration models, and cross-sector collaboration. Building on earlier project activities, participants co-developed and validated a draft training framework outlining the core skills and competencies needed for effective collaboration in prisons.
Presentation: Czech Prison Service
Initial Penitentiary Training of NGO Staff in the Czech Republic enhances understanding of prison work, improves support for incarcerated people, and strengthens collaboration to reduce risks and recidivism.
WORKPRIS Czech Prison Service PresentationScenario-Based Learning
Theory and Practice of Scenario-Based Learning in correctional settings: training method helping practice possible work situations in prison settings, building skills and strategies for NGO staff before entering prisons.
WORKPRIS Scenario-Based Learning PresentationPresentation: RESHAPE Portugal
The RESHAPE (Portugal) integrated model for TSO–prison cooperation, combining social enterprise employment, transitional housing, and soft-skills training to support reintegration.
WORKPRIS – RESHAPE PresentationClosing Presentation – CIK Trebnje
Summary of key takeaways and information on the final online seminar and ongoing opportunities for involvement in WORKPRIS
WORKPRIS Conclusion and Next steps_CIKSlovakian Presentation
Slovakian presentation on the Cooperation practices of TSOs and prison services in Slovakia: The supporting role of the Institute of Technical and Social Policy in prison contexts.
WORKPRIS TSO cooperation in SlovakiaWebinar Recordings
The edited recordings of the WORKPRIS webinars are now available online. These sessions offered valuable insights into the collaboration between Third Sector Organisations and correctional services, as well as innovative approaches to vocational training and social (re-)integration.
Highlights include:
🔹 Partnerships between correctional institutions and civil society actors
🔹 Innovative pathways to employment for incarcerated individuals
🔹 Real-world examples and international perspectives
🔹 Keynote by Dr. Sarah Lewis on human-centered approaches to correctional reform
🔹 Results from surveys, discussions, and best practices from Austria, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic
🔹 Reflections from participants across Europe
📺 Watch now: The recordings are available in both English and German and summarize the key takeaways from both webinar sessions.
