Explaining BWLS to Offenders

Introduction

An explanation of BWLS as a component of an offender’s CW sentence should be provided during the BWLS screening as part of the workplace and BWLS assessment process.

Offenders are required to confirm their willingness to undertake BWLS training, so need to be fully informed of the concept and its operation.

Authorisation

When imposing a sentence of CW, a court can authorise a probation officer to direct that up to 20 percent of the sentence be converted into time spent in training in BWLS.

It is important that offenders understand that although BWLS hours have been authorised, this does not automatically mean that they will attend a BWLS programme. The offender’s suitability for BWLS still requires:

• screening and direction (approval) by a probation officer, and
• that a suitable programme is available within their sentence timeframes.

Legislative references: Sections 66A (2) and 66B (1) Sentencing Act 2002.

Explanation

At their initial induction offenders should have been given a CW information fact sheet. This fact sheet contains information about BWLS.

Using this fact sheet, work through the information with the offender ensuring they understand the following points about BWLS:

• what it is
• why it is offered
• who is eligible
• the types of training available
• authorisation
• assessment of needs
• making the hours count, and
• the need to commit to the entire programme (or the hours they have done may not be counted).

Notes:

• If more detailed information is considered necessary, also refer to the relevant sections contained in the BWLS offender booklet.
• It is not considered necessary to go through the entire contents of the booklet but a copy can be offered to the offender for them to take away and read. If the offender has literacy issues, check that they know someone who can go through the booklet with them.