An intensive support programme for people inside and prisons and those being released from prison. A collaboration between ANTZ, Tier 1 and Antz Junction.
Established in 1995, Tier 1 Asset Management Ltd is a privately owned company who specialises in the secure and ethical disposal of end of lifecycle IT equipment.
Tier 1 joined the ANTZ network in 2013 looking for ways to align their commercial and social strategies, which in turn allowed them to win more business. Tier 1 has been a member of the ANTZ network ever since and we are proud to support them in the work they do. Jonathan Rose, Managing Director of Tier 1, is also an Ambassador for ANTZ. Jonathan and his team are leading the way in social innovation and we are proud to have their support, inspiration and commitment within the network.
Tier 1 has set up a ground-breaking prison workshop inside HMP Forest Bank a category B men’s prison in Manchester. IT equipment which has failed or cannot be refurbished is sent to HMP Forest Bank where it is dismantled, avoiding the need to send to landfill. The precious metals which are extracted from the old equipment is then resold back into the manufacturing process and the funds generated support the “Through The Gate” programme. The workshops have supported over 130 prisoners emerge from prison with vital qualifications in IT recycling, helping them make a valuable contribution to society when they leave prison due to their new skills and work ethic.
Tier 1’s commitment to helping former prisoners find their place back in society reaches beyond the prison gates. After release, ANTZ provides a ‘Through The Gate’ back-to-work programme, funded by Tier 1 from the recycling work was undertaken at the prison. This is a 6-week intensive programme which offers practical advice – Independent living, debt management & employability skills. It also offers emotional support counselling, CBT therapy, building better relationships & solution-focused therapy.
In 2018 Tier1 was honoured with The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in the category of promoting opportunity through social mobility, for their unique prison workshop, which was presented to the team in 2019 by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Paul Griffiths DL, at Tier 1’s headquarters Whitefield, Greater Manchester.
Ministry of Justice, HM Prison and Probation Service, HMP Forest Bank, Sodexo UK and Ireland, Antz Junction, Bury Council
25,000+ hours of one-to-one support and training provided by ANTZ
126 men supported on the Through The Gate programme
66 men have gone into sustainable employment
£3.4 million+ saving to society (using GMC cost-based analysis)
We are proud of Tier 1's involvement with the Through The Gate project. The close collaboration between ANTZ, Antz Junction, Tier 1 and HMP Forest Bank to deliver social value and change lives is very special and shout not be unique.
Through this programme I enrolled on a signaller course which I passed. Although I found it difficult to find work without any experience with ANTZ continued support I persevered, and have since managed to find a job
I am so happy, I feel like I'm floating on air at the opportunity I was given.