Kirklees Together

A programme created by Kirklees Council is helping women make positive changes to their lives, with impressive results in reducing reoffending. 

Since November 2024, the Women’s Out of Court Pathway has supported women who are at risk of being taken to court for low level crimes. Instead of a date in court, West Yorkshire Police can refer these women to structured adult learning programmes.  

The idea is to give these women the opportunity to build confidence, improve their wellbeing and develop the skills they need to make different choices for the future. 

The programme was designed and is delivered by the Adult Learning team at Kirklees Success Centre. The course provides an opportunity for reflection, structured learning activities encouraging the participants to look at the consequences of their choices and who their role models in life are. The aim is to think about their actions and the consequences and to change their mindsets and influences. The course builds confidence, self-belief and self-esteem for the participants. 

After seeing the course outline, West Yorkshire Police chose the Kirklees model from across the five West Yorkshire local authorities to help support women through an alternative pathway. 

Tom Brailsford as Executive Director for Children and Families, said:

“Everyone deserves the chance to make a fresh start, and the Out of Court Pathway is giving women that opportunity. We’re incredibly proud of our Adult Learning team at Kirklees Success Centre and the difference they’re making.  

“By working closely with West Yorkshire Police and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, we’re helping women make positive changes that benefit them, their families and our communities. It’s fantastic to see our approach now being shared across West Yorkshire.” 

Since the programme began, 84 women have been referred to the programme, with more than three-quarters choosing to take part. Of those who have completed the course so far, nearly 99% have not reoffended within six months. 

The biggest impact has been seen in the feedback from the women themselves. Many have embraced the aims of the course and feel more confident, have higher self-esteem and feel they can make more positive choices about their future. 

Women’s Out of Court Pathway is delivered through a partnership between Kirklees Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and West Yorkshire Police. Together, they are helping women avoid entering the court system, reducing reoffending and building brighter futures. 

The success of the programme has also been recognised across West Yorkshire. Leeds City Council is now using the Kirklees approach to develop a similar course, showing how local innovation is helping more people across the region. 

Our video explains more on the partners behind the programme Adult skills out of court pathways case study.

Kirklees Success Centre  

There are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills through our adult learning programmes. We have many courses to improve core skills such as maths, English, and several personal development and wellbeing courses.