We often jail those we have failed, many times over.
Three Core Challenges Beating Time Tackles in the Criminal Justice System
1. Poor Mental Health in Prison
Choirs Beating Time provides moments of joy, relief, and connection in environments where stress, isolation, and trauma are widespread.
Participant Voices
2. Unemployment Among Prison Leavers
Worklessness after imprisonment is one of the biggest drivers of reoffending. Yet only 1 in 3 prison leavers are in paid employment within six months of release.
Inside Job bridges the gap between custody and employment by connecting people with real employers and ongoing support.
Job retention: 72.6% at 9 months for Inside Job participants
3. High Rates of Reoffending
Reoffending currently costs the taxpayer £18.1 billion every year.
- National reoffending rate: ~40%
- Inside Job participants: 5%
This shows what is possible when people are supported into meaningful work and positive identities.
Desistence Factors
Beating Time creates 6 of the 7 desistence factors
Having hope and motivation
Having someone believe in you
Having the opportunity to contribute
Having a non-criminal identity
Having work
Having family ties
Having housing
Hope and Motivation
Prison can be a place with little to do and little motivation to do it.
- Choirs Beating Time gives hope — showing that positive, joyful experiences exist even inside prison walls.
- Inside Job provides motivation by introducing employers who are willing to hire people with convictions, reinforcing that individuals are not defined by their offence.
It made me feel I am someone that can improve all areas of my life.
Belief from Others
Being believed in changes how people see themselves.
- Choir leaders encourage progress in pitch, rhythm, and breath work.
- Performances demonstrate trust and confidence in participants’ abilities.
- Inside Job community consultants support individuals through every step of employment — from CV writing and interview preparation to travel planning, suit fitting, ID, and qualifications.
This consistent investment shows people they are worth backing.
Opportunity to Contribute
Contribution builds responsibility and pride.
- Choirs are participant-led — members choose the name, repertoire, and take responsibility for setup and tidy-up.
- Inside Job roles are meaningful, paid employment opportunities.
These experiences build transferable soft skills that support success beyond prison.
A Positive Identity
Positive identities replace harmful labels.
- Choir members are seen by staff, peers, and loved ones as singers, musicians, and fathers.
- Inside Job reinforces that participants have transferable skills and can contribute meaningfully to society and support their families.
Officers see a different side to us that is not aggressive.