In May 2025 we introduced an online application process which has proved very timely in light of the significant increase in grant applications that we are seeing. This has made the grant application process more accessible to probation officers, in particular, and we are now receiving 30 – 40 applications every week. The online process has also shortened the turn-around time on applications, with the avergae time from application submission to funding falling from 26 days under the previous postal application process to 9 days. This means that we are now able to provide funding for prison leavers when they are at their most vulnerable and their needs are often greatest, soon after leaving prison and before they are able to register for state benefits.
