News

New CFO Evolution hubs enhance support for people on probation

13 Feb 2025

A series of new activity hubs have opened marking a significant expansion in support for offenders on probation and who have left prison. Part of the Creating Future Opportunities (CFO) Evolution programme, the hubs will provide tailored support to people aged 18 and over who are on probation within the community. This programme aims to foster community buy-in, increase wellbeing, and develop essential skills. 

The HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) CFO contract is delivered by human services provider, Ingeus, in the North East, East Midlands, and West Midlands regions.  The new hubs are located in Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent, Wolverhampton, Derby, Leicester, Nottingham, Durham, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Sunderland, and Darlington. Each hub serves as a central point for delivering personalised support, helping individuals overcome barriers, access mainstream services, and reintegrate into society. 

“We are thrilled to have marked the launch of our new CFO Activity Hubs and to be offering much-needed support to people on probation,” said Ingeus’ Head of Service, Owen Peterson. “By providing tailored, practical help, we’re giving individuals the opportunity to build better futures — not just for themselves, but for their families and the wider community.”  

Mark Nickson, Head of CFO added “For many of our participants, the hardest step is the first one on a long road to reintegration. CFO stands alongside them throughout that journey, offering tailored support and encouragement every step of the way.” 

The hubs focus on delivering comprehensive support services, including assistance with accessing mainstream services, developing essential life skills, fostering community involvement and providing employment support to help individuals secure and maintain meaningful work. By providing a central location for these services, with travel provided where possible to help accessibility, the hubs aim to create a supportive environment that encourages positive change and reduces the likelihood of reoffending. 

A unified approach to rehabilitation  

CFO Evolution integrates the previous CFO3 and CFO Activity Hubs into a single, more cohesive service, ensuring seamless support for individuals with complex needs. Ingeus has a long-standing commitment to delivering high-quality rehabilitation programmes, including CFO3 and CFO Activity Hubs where Ingeus supported over 33,000 people and our Commissioned Rehabilitative Services, and the launch of the new hubs represents a key milestone in its ongoing work. 

For more information about the CFO Evolution and Ingeus’ Justice services, please visit CreatingFutureOpportunities.gov.uk and Ingeus.co.uk/justice.