At heart, we aim to prevent further sexual abuse,
working towards no more victims
Values
Safety
Responsibility
Inclusiveness
Community Involvement
Growth & Learning
Individuality & Respect
We do this by...
Our Impact
Activities
* Figures are for Circles delivery 2019 – 2021 inc.
Impact
* Stable accommodation, reduced isolation and emotional wellbeing are all reintegration (protective) factors that help to reduce re-offending.
* Winder, B., et al (2020). UK National Evaluation of Big Lottery Funded Circles, Evaluation Report March 2020. Nottingham Trent University, UK
Profile
* Percentages refer to profile of Core Member at start of Circle from 2008 to 2021
** Percentages refer to profile of Core Members starting a Circle 2008 to 2021 and the level of risk they present to the specified groups
History of Circles
* Learning Difficulties and Autism Spectrum Condition
**Circles ReBoot is an adapted Circle for individuals who access Child Sexual Exploitation Material
Circles of Support and Accountability (Circles) provide a community based approach to the support and management of people with harmful sexual behaviours living in the community.
The Mennonite Church in Canada first established Circles in 1994 when the Reverend Harry Nigh, set up a support network for an offender with a long history of sexually abusing children who was leaving prison without statutory supervision and assessed as high risk of reoffending. This first Circle led to the development of a movement which expanded across Canada and then internationally to the USA, to England and Wales and from there expanded into Europe (see ‘What are Circles’ and ‘CirclesEurope’ for more information).
Circles were introduced to the UK in 2002 by the Religious Society of Friends (The Quakers) and government funding was acquired for a pilot project in Hampshire and the Thames Valley and a national pilot run by The Lucy Faithfull Foundation.
In 2008 Circles UK, was set up as the national umbrella organisation for the development and delivery of Circles provision (see What we do).
Today there are Circles Providers covering much of England and Wales (see Local Providers), with Circles also being delivered in parts of Europe (see CirclesEurope).
Trustees and Core Staff
Riana Taylor
Chief Executive Officer
Jude Thomas
National Development Manager
Claire Ashley
National Quality Manager
Heather Curnow
Office/Business Manager
Lynn Taylor
Information Officer
Dr Calvin Pike
(Chair)
Dr Rebecca Milner
(Trustee)
Simon Bailey
(Trustee)
Christiane Glennie
(Treasurer)
Justine Caroll
(Trustee)
Nigel Barnes
(Trustee)
Gareth Williams
(Trustee)
Asha Odedra
(Trustee)
Para Mullan
(Trustee)
Annual Review Summaries
Recognition of Circles
A snapshot of some of the recognition of Circles provision and the work of Circles UK
Circles UK was awarded the prestigious Longford Prize in 2010 in recognition of “…Circles UK‘s courage, commitment and innovation in working…with [people convicted of harmful sexual behaviour], one of the most marginalised groups in our society. Circles UK brings together voluntary and statutory partners, including victims’ groups, in a constructive alternative response which provides a greater opportunity for preventing further crime, [rehabilitation], and achieving safer communities for us all.”
Circles UK was awarded the Social Care & Welfare Award in recognition of the excellent work it does in the most challenging, controversial areas of offender rehabilitation, and the effective way in which the work of Circles has helped to reduce sexual re-offending and create safer communities. “The judges singled out those charities whose excellence in charity management they felt will inspire others. Circles UK is an excellent organisation [and] the award is richly deserved” Daniel Phelan, 2011.
Circles UK won the Criminal Justice Alliance Award for Outstanding Organisation in 2019. ‘Circles UK are doing important work with those that few care to, offering rehabilitation, support and the potential to prevent future victimisation’.