YouTurn Futures was recognised at the Inspire Justice Awards for its work in delivering Integrated Offender Management across the county, which has led to dwelling burglaries reducing by 87%.

A Bedfordshire-based charity has been recognised for its work in offender management which has led to a huge reduction in dwelling burglaries in the county.

YouTurn Futures was crowned the winner of the Voluntary Contribution to Community Safety and Justice Award at the Inspire Justice Awards, held in Birmingham on November 30.

The inaugural awards were delivered by Skills for Justice, who work with employers to develop workforces across the sector. 

Established in 2014, the charity delivers Integrated Offender Management (IOM) by co-ordinating a multi-agency approach to work with those causing the most harm through burglary and high-volume offences.

By collaborating with police, probation, substance abuse and housing agencies, the work of YouTurn Futures has led to an 87% reduction in dwelling burglary across Bedfordshire in 2021/22 (by those managed under IOM).

Director Stuart Smith said: “We are delighted that the hard work, dedication and innovative approach of YouTurn and our partners in reducing reoffending has been publicly recognised with this prestigious award.”

Bedfordshire Police's approach to managing offenders is among the best in the country, with the force the first to be given an 'outstanding' rating by HMICFRS earlier this year.

The force's Acting Chief Constable, Trevor Rodenhurst, thanked YouTurn Futures for the "contribution it is making to the force in relation to reducing re-offending", while PCC Festus Akinbusoye hailed the charity's "tremendous work".