Our Journey

A story of growth, community, and principled change


bthechange CIC is founded with a clear mission: to transform lives through inclusion, recovery, and social change.

bthechange works to make systems fairer.

 By challenging racism, oppression, stigma, and shame, we embed procedural justice and dignity across criminal justice and community environments


2016 – Founded with Purpose & Early Innovation

 Early work focuses on mentoring, community connection, and supporting people in contact with the criminal justice system.
Key milestones include:

  • Agreement with Devon & Cornwall Police to accept signposting from all six custody centres.
  • Launch of the Schools Consequences Programme in eight Devon secondary schools.
  • First participant completes the 28-week HOPE Programme, demonstrating transformative outcomes driven by belief, purpose, relationship, and hope.
  • Support for HMP Exeter in developing and implementing the Checkout and Departure Lounge.


2017–2019 – Building Foundations & Growing Recognition

bthechange expands grassroots programmes, embedding trauma-informed practice, procedural justice, and support through critical transition points.
Partnerships with community organisations and justice boards begin to take shape.
Key milestones:

  • 2018: First employee, Chloe, is appointed.
  • 2018: Winner of the Devon & Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner’s Award.
  • 2018: Creation of the Departure Lounge at HMP Eastwood Park.
  • 2019: Commissioned by the Probation Service to engage Black and Asian people on probation across Devon and Cornwall.


2020 – Responding to Crisis

During the COVID-19 pandemic, bthechange adapts services to maintain continuity of care and deliver remote mentoring, crisis response, and resilient support for the most marginalised individuals.

  • Secures a Continuity of Care contract for women returning to Devon from HMP Eastwood Park.


2021 – Growing Influence & Trust

bthechange begins delivering larger-scale interventions across prisons and communities, developing a reputation as a trusted organisation capable of operating effectively across complex systems.


2022 – Scaling Regional Impact & Strengthening Partnerships

 bthechange’s reach grows to over 500 people annually across prisons, courts, and communities.
expansions include:

 

  • Wins Exeter Living Awards – Community Organisation of the Year and the Overall Platinum Award.
  • Commissioned to deliver procedural justice programmes in six prisons for ethnically diverse people in custody.
  • Commissioned to deliver Health Needs Assessments across Cat A–D prisons, holding forums with over 300 people in establishments including Askham Grange, Barnard Castle, Deerbolt, Doncaster, Durham, Frankland, Full Sutton, Hatfield, Holme House, Hull, Humber, Kirkham, Kirklevington Grange, Leeds, Linholm, Low Newton, Lowdham Grange, Moorland, Newhall, Northumberland, Wakefield and Wealstun.


2023 – Anti-Racism, System Engagement & National Reach

Following the Plymouth race riots, bthechange becomes a founding member of the Anti-Racist Action Group and Allyship Group, helping deliver the Principled Space Model—a racial- and trauma-informed approach to community healing.
Key system-wide developments:

  • Finalist in the National Diversity Awards.
  • Commissioned as a community partner for the Criminal Justice Board for Wales, supporting the development of the Anti-Racism Action Plan.
  • Commissioned to work with ethnically diverse people on probation in South Wales.
  • Strategic Partner in the One Wales Service.
  • Commissioned to provide operational leadership for the STaR Project.
  • Strengthening relationships with HMPPS, local authorities, and grassroots groups.
  • Commissioned to deliver procedural justice programmes in six prisons for ethnically diverse people in custody.


 2024 – Innovation, Influence & System Change

A year marked by deeper system engagement and expanded scrutiny work.
Key achievements:

  • Launch of the Network and Community Development Project, connecting prison staff, community leaders, and grassroots groups to challenge racial prejudice and improve rehabilitation pathways.
  • Development of new initiatives supporting women leaving custody, Housing First-style stability, and broader community recovery.
  • Expansion of external scrutiny and oversight, including work to strengthen the DIRF process across Wales.
  • Commissioned by Plymouth City Council to conduct an Appreciative Inquiry into the August 2024 racially motivated disorder, informing citywide learning and healing.


2025 – A Year of Strategic Growth & Deep System Influence

bthechange enters 2025 with a strong focus on independent scrutiny, anti-racism, and systemic cultural change.
Key developments:

  • Commissioned to provide external scrutiny and independent oversight of EDI incentives in three Welsh prisons, with a focus on racial equity.
  • Launch of the Safe Haven emergency accommodation programme for people on probation facing homelessness on release.
  • Growing role in data analysis, use-of-force scrutiny, and culture change across southwest Prisons and the wider Wales region.
  • Strengthened leadership capacity through roles such as the Inclusive Partnership Manager and Research and Evaluation Manager 
  • Development of new proposals including the bthechange Hub, Leadership programmes, data verification, and One Wales Service expansion.