The extent and impact of reoffending is significant (Social Exclusion Unit, 2002). In 2010, the National Audit Office estimated the cost of reoffending by people who serve short-term prison sentences alone to cost 10billion per year (NAO, 2010). Re-offending also has a colossal psychological and physical impact on victims, communities, offenders themselves, and their relatives (SEU, 2002). This module will explore the `cost¿ of re-offending to individuals and communities and consider possible motivations and explanations for re-offending from key theoretical perspectives.

The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) was established in 2004 to address the dual aims of protecting the public from crime and reducing re-offending rates. Students will explore the measurement of the success and progress of NOMS through Key Performance Targets (KPTs), which in turn impact working practice throughout criminal justice, e.g. KPTs based on out of cell prisoner activity in prisons. They will also consider the need for programmes and interventions to meet the requirements of different contexts, individuals and types of crime.

The module will critically examine the contribution of offender management to the goal of reducing re-offending and students will evaluate strategies for reducing re-offending, with reference to an appropriate literature and evidence base. Students will be challenged to consider the extent to which money invested in reducing re-offending strategies is delivering money saved through crime reduction.

Summative
Seminar (20 minutes) with briefing paper (400 words) 50% Learning outcome 1

Students will prepare and deliver a seminar lasting 20 minutes (including time for questions). This will be based on a case study and should assess the potential psychological, physical and financial impact of re-offending on individuals and communities. This element will include the preparation of seminar briefing paper for circulation to the seminar taking place.

Case study analysis (2,500 words) 50% Learning outcome 2-3

Students will complete a written assignment based on a case study that:

- Critically evaluates explanations for re-offending behaviour
- Critically debates strategies designed to reduce re-offending

Formative
Students will receive formative feedback from peers and tutors during class-based tasks and discussions. They will also receive formative feedback regarding the assignment during personal tutorials.

The learning strategy for this module requires students to commit 300 learning hours (including assessment). This will include 24 hours of class support and 276 hours of independent and self directed study.

The class sessions will delivered in 8 x 3 hr study blocks, to cover the key aspects of the module content, including a summary of the blended learning material, the type of formative feedback available both through Moodle and the Module Tutor. The nature of the summative assessment will also be examined.

Students are expected to regularly engage with the blended learning material on Moodle, by working through the material. This will include reading the material, undertaking additional research and formative exercises to reinforce the learning. Students will have additional support from the Module Tutor via email and phone.

Green, S., Lancaster, E., Feasy, S. (2008) Addressing Offending Behaviour: Context, Practice, Values, London: Willan Publishing.
Robinson, G. and Crow, I. (2009) Offender Rehabilitation: Theory, Research and Practice, London: Sage Publications Ltd.

HMSO (2006) A Five Year Strategy for Protecting the Public and Reducing Re-offending, London: Home Office: available online.