Case Study

Doing things differently

8 Jun. 2026

‘I’ve never met anyone like you before’ is a comment Ryan regularly hears working as a Recovery Navigator for the Ingeus Justice team in the North East. Flamboyantly friendly and proudly gay, being true to himself and living life to the full is a powerful example to the men on probation that he supports to rebuild their lives.   

“I speak to people at some of their most challenging times,” says Ryan, “but I’m still just me. I love talking to people, helping people. I don’t feel worried if someone says something inappropriate. I try again and they inevitably apologise. I also have great support from my manager and team. If I have a tough day, I head back home for a singalong with my faves, Celine Dion or Taylor Swift, it’s a great way to diffuse.” 

That home, in Cleveland, is one that Ryan says he was able to buy after joining Ingeus in 2025 following a secondment from a partner organisation. It’s also where the 28 year-old music fan houses his beloved vinyl collection and plans attending his next ‘big show’. From Madonna to Oasis, Ryan has attended 23 concerts in the past two years alone.    

“I want to be a little bit different, to break a negative cycle for someone,” adds Ryan. “I just try to be honest and straightforward. Taking someone who thinks they have nothing for an ice cream and walk along the coast is a great way to get them to talk. I took some participants to an exhibition of drag queen costumes and they absolutely loved it. It prompted questions and made them think differently. I still get texts from past participants thanking me for making a lasting difference to their lives.” 

Ryan’s supportive and kind nature is reflected by his Ingeus colleagues, both in the Dependency and Recovery team he works within and the company-wide LGBTQIA+ employee forum he’s a part of:  

“My manager put up a Pride flag and it’s a permanent fixture in the office. We support Pride month in June and I’m always open to interest and questions from service users and staff. I certainly don’t know everything though, so I really value the employee forum. We meet monthly to discuss issues and organise wider staff training. It’s a totally safe space, there’s no fear or embarrassment, you can discuss or ask anything. I’ve made some genuine friends in my team and through the LGBTQIA+ group.” 

In the past, Ryan’s independent spirit saw him book a one-way lone ticket to Australia, spending five years working and travelling before returning to the UK in late 2023. Now given responsibility and autonomy to handle his busy case load, and with ample internal opportunities to progress, his itchy feet have found fabulous new shoes here at Ingeus:   

“I’m trusted and appreciated to go into people’s lives and help them. It’s very rewarding,” concludes Ryan, who covers the Stockton and Hartlepool areas for Ingeus’ Commissioned Rehabilitative Services. “I work flexibly, taking time in lieu for working late with people on probation who see me after their day’s work. I visit other regions to help with coaching and mentor new team members. There’s so many areas to explore at Ingeus – it’s my new Australia.”