Switchback

Who we are

Switchback is an award-winning charity helping young Londoners to find a way out of the justice system and make real-lasting change in their lives. We provide intensive one-to-one support either side of the prison gate alongside real-work training after release, supporting 18-30 year-old men (Trainees) to build a stable life they can be proud of. Established in 2008 in the heart of East London, we provide one thing for our Trainees: a consistent, transformative relationship lasting as long as it takes. And it works: Switchback Trainees are five times less likely to reoffend than other offenders (9% vs 49%). 

With over 11 years’ experience of successfully supporting young men through the justice system, there has never been a more exciting time to join our team. In 2019, Switchback were the proud winners of the Longford Prize and shortlisted for Charity of the Year (under £1m) by the Charity Times Awards.  Our Strategic Plan 2019-2021 outlines a solid route-map not only to support more young men than ever before, but also to inspire change across the justice system.

We are a close-knit team of thirteen based in a bright, colourful office near Spitalfields Market – just opposite the café where half of our Trainees work after they are released from prison. 

Our culture and values

Our Ambition
Switchback’s ambition is that everyone has the opportunity to live a stable and rewarding life as an active member of society.

Our Purpose
Switchback’s purpose is to enable young men to find a way out of the justice system and build a stable, rewarding life they can be proud of.

Switchback’s five values cut through everything we do, from our work with Trainees to our fundraising and partnerships.

1. Human

2. Authentic

3. Committed

4. Ambitious

5. Pioneering

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Switchback recognises the value of having a diverse group of people with a diversity of thinking and perspectives involved in the organisation and wishes to use the differences that people bring with them as a resource in furthering our mission and objectives.  

Switchback sees diversity as the visible and invisible differences between people – such as gender, race, ethnic or national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, socio-economic background, language, religion, education and family/marital status – and recognises that these differences can lead to different ways of thinking, behaving, communicating and working. Switchback believes that these differences enrich the organisation and its work.

Switchback will work to ensure that all its staff, volunteers and consultants have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential in carrying out their activities. 

Switchback will not tolerate under any circumstances: 

• any unlawful or unjustifiable acts of discrimination 
• any form of harassment 

Where such discrimination or harassment occurs action will be taken under the disciplinary procedure, and may include dismissal for serious offences. 

Switchback is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion – both in people and operational delivery – and to monitoring our progress in this area. The CEO is responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented and reporting annually to the Board on progress made. 

In keeping with Switchback’s ethos and principles, it is expected that all staff, trustees, volunteers and consultants become familiar with the policy and ensure that their language, behaviours and practice are consistent with its requirements.