Our Ambition
Switchback’s ambition is that everyone has the opportunity to live a stable and rewarding life as an active member of society.
”“When I first came into Switchback I’d feel so uncomfortable I could hardly speak. Switchback totally changed how I thought about myself.
I’ve learned that it’s not about taking the fast route, taking the long route is more beneficial in the end. I’ve done so much more than I thought I could.”
Elton, Fashion Student and former Switchback Trainee
We build trust, confidence, independence and stability in all areas of a Trainee’s life. In all decisions we use the lens: “does this help us improve the prospects of young prison-leavers?”
We prize integrity and honesty. We don’t sell a dream: we are realistic about what it means to genuinely start over and the huge courage needed to change. We recognise that change is not linear and we provide a space to learn from mistakes.
Our commitment to Trainees is consistent and continuous, lasting for as long as it takes. We reject quick fixes, shortcuts and tick boxes. We do what we say we are going to do and coach our Trainees to do the same.
We assume strengths, resources and abilities in Trainees. We don’t do things for people: we challenge and encourage our Trainees to take control. We are distinctive in our high expectations of Trainees, our own conduct, the quality of our partnerships and the impact of our work.
We challenge Trainees to move outside their comfort zone and we encourage adventure to learn and grow. As a charity we strive to do the same, constantly seeking to reflect and improve. We pioneer an alternative approach and share our evidence with others.
The reoffending rate has barely reduced in decades: 48% of prison leavers are reconvicted with a year and fewer than a fifth move into work.
Young adults and people from ethnic minority backgrounds, who make up the majority of Switchback Trainees, are also significantly over-represented in the prison system.
of prison-leavers reoffend within a year of release
of prison-leavers are not in work a year after release
estimated annual cost of reoffending
annual cost per prison place
Homelessness, mental health problems and low skills are just some of the barriers faced by people leaving prison.
Many have grown up in poverty or in care, have never worked legitimately and have experienced violence and trauma. Among recent Switchback Trainees:
have drug or alcohol issues
leave prison homeless
have never worked before
have no qualifications
These challenges are compounded by a prison and probation system in chaos and the fragmentation of housing, health and welfare support. This means prison-leavers are not getting the consistent, personalised support needed to make a profound change in their lives.
Switchback’s model was established in 2008 on the premise that it is often not the lack of opportunity, but rather a lack of confidence, knowledge and continuity of support that prevents prison-leavers from overcoming challenges and realising their options.
When working with Trainees, Switchback models stability amid the chaos. Through a consistent, long-term relationship and real work training, we enable Switchback Trainees to make a profound change in how they think about and participate in society.
See What We Do to find out more about our model.
”People only do what they know, and that depends where you grow up. To me, I knew how sell drugs. In my community it’s just normal to do crime.
Switchback taught me and pushed me so much. I’ve learned to forget about crime. I’ve been shown a different route."
Ahmed, Switchback Trainee
Ben Summerskill was, at 25, Operations Director of a London restaurant business serving 14,000 meals a week. He then enjoyed a Fleet Street career, latterly as Assistant Editor of the Observer. From 2003-2014 he was CEO of Stonewall and from 2015-2018 Director of the Criminal Justice Alliance. He’s also a member of the Board of ACAS and the Honours Committee for the Voluntary Sector.
Burphy has a wealth of experience of working with young men like Switchback’s Trainees. In his role as Research Manager and Director of ClearView Research (CVR), Burphy has worked on projects to include the voices of underrepresented groups in high-level decision-making. Outside of CVR he is part of a project called My Brother’s Keeper which mentors men that are serving long or life sentences to inspire hope and change.
Olivia Gillan has spent most of her career in strategy consulting, notably at PwC where she was a Partner specialising in the retail/leisure/consumer sectors. She is now focused on the not for profit sector, acting as Chair for Little Village, serving on the Grants Committee of charity funder Impact 100 and recently joining the board of Rosa. She was previously on the board of the Mark Anthony Trust and an Interview Coach at Smart Works. She also serves as a Magistrate in London.
After graduating with a degree in Food Science, Gillian went on to spend most of her career from 1984 to 2009 in the investment banking industry at JP Morgan and Credit Suisse. She worked in a variety of finance roles, including as a Financial Controller and as a regulatory specialist. Prior to joining the Switchback Trustee board, she spent 10 years as Treasurer of a small, community based charity on the Isle of Dogs. She is also a serving Magistrate in East London.
Nicola is a seasoned coach and HR professional with a specialisation in anti-racism and social value. She currently leads the People Team at the Black Equity Organisation and is the founder of HHIS (Holistic HR and Impact Services), her own HR consultancy. HHIS has a particular focus on supporting with the recruitment of individuals with experience in the criminal justice system. Alongside this, Nicola is a committed member of the steering group for the Holloway Prison Women’s Centre.
Omar Mentesh has been proud to make the journey from ex-offender to Switchback Trustee, giving him a unique perspective on the issues within our system. Before setting up his own lived experience consultancy business, Anabranch Plus, he spent years mentoring ex-prisoners and pushing for change, driven by the belief that everyone deserves a second chance. Omar is committed to bringing real-world insights to support Switchback’s crucial work with young adults leaving prison. He knows the hurdles these individuals face, but their true potential.
Duncan Shrubsole observed Switchback emerge and grow while working at Crisis where he led its policy, communications, campaigns and research for 9 years. He is passionate about the role of charities in changing lives and public policy and is Chief Executive of St Martin in the Fields homelessness charity and a Trustee at the Trussell Trust. For a decade he was Director of Policy, Communications and Research at the Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales, including supporting a range of charities working in criminal justice on the ground and to influence policy and practice. He started his career in local government and the civil service and has also been a school governor and a Trustee of a housing association and Citizens Advice working in East London.
Harriette is a passionate and driven professional working with philanthropists, foundations, businesses, and nonprofits around the world to build capacity and grow their social and environmental impact. Currently her role at I.G. Advisors supports strategic and innovative planning in a tough fundraising environment. Prior to her time at I.G., Harriette managed several high-value funding programmes focused on grassroots social impact at The London Community Foundation (LCF) and the Jack Petchey Foundation. Additionally, she delivered health services for VSO in rural Zambia. At LCF, she led an equity-focused strategic partnership with the Muslim Charities Forum and played a key role in the award-winning London Community Response to Covid-19. Harriette has also travelled globally, speaking at events and advocating for the equitable distribution of resources through I.G.’s mission to #FixTheFlow (of resources for good). Recently, she joined the Collective Leadership Group, aiming to enhance the resilience of the social and environmental sectors. Harriette also holds a First Class BA (Hons) Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Jasmine Ashley-Tagoe is a Consultant Solicitor. Alongside her legal practice, Jasmine is also a Visiting Lecturer at a leading law school in London, where she shares her practical experience with students. Jasmine is particularly passionate about social justice and has worked to make legal services more accessible, inclusive, and responsive, especially for those from underrepresented communities. As a trustee at Switchback, Jasmine is committed to bringing her dedication to social equity and her experience in leading a social justice initiative to support the team. Outside of work, Jasmine enjoys travelling and learning about different cultures.
Switchback’s Experts by Experience (EBE) board is a group of current and former Switchback Trainees who meet regularly to inform and improve Switchback’s work.
Alice Dawnay
Slaney Wright
Alison Flynn
Andrew Strachan
Andrew Robinson MBE
Anna Yearley OBE
Celine Tinne
HH Judge Daniel Worsley (Ret.)
Daley Doma
Elina Lam-Gall
Emma Bell
Iona Lawrence
John Podmore
Katie Beck
Katharine Danton
Leah Selinger
Mr Gee
Milka Fisiha
Pamela Dow
Rachel Gill
Raphael Duyile
Richard Hurst
Roma Hooper OBE
Shaffiq Din
Sophie Samuel
Slaney Wright
Wayne Hodges
Primrose Bell
”I've been so proud to support Switchback since it started. The team is wonderful — energetic, full of integrity and always totally committed. And crucially they always keep Trainees at the heart of everything they do.
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
”Switchback offers a commitment that really changes lives. This is why they are the River Cottage chosen charity and why I have joined them to celebrate their many successes at each and every one of their annual events.
From charitable trusts to employers providing work experience for Trainees, we are very grateful to the fantastic partners and supporters who make Switchback’s work possible. See our Get Involved page to find out more about becoming a partner or supporter of Switchback.