WHO WE ARE

Ark Resettlement Services (ARKRS) aims to reduce reoffending in communities across London, through the provision of housing and social services for ex-offenders. Our vision is to help our beneficiaries gain the skills, support and independence they need to move away from crime and transform their lives for the better. 

OUR MISSION 

• To reduce social exclusion and its impact by providing specialist housing and one-to one support for vulnerable ex-offenders 
• To support ex-offenders to fulfil their potential and have a positive and brighter future. 

OUR AIMS 

Our values underpin the work we do and form an integral part of Ark Resettlement Services: 

• to reduce poverty and homelessness 
• to improve social and living skills 
• to reduce unhealthy living styles 
• to increase potential for future training/employment. 

OUR VALUES 

We recognise that every single beneficiary is entitled to dignity and respect and the best possible support they can get to help them move on in their lives. Our values underpin the work we do and form an integral part of ARKRS: 

Inclusive – We develop wide-ranging services which are accessible to and meet the needs of London’s diverse communities, particularly those with the most complex needs 

Responsive – We listen to our stakeholders, staff and beneficiaries and work collaboratively with others. We respond to individuals, to communities, to our partners, and to changing social policy. We are flexible and learn from our experiences. We analyse the data we collect, using this information to influence our own and others’ direction. We seek to ensure that we maintain a beneficiary focus in everything that we do

Credible -We maintain credibility with our stakeholders and beneficiaries by employing experienced and committed staff and investing in their development and by striving to achieve excellence, efficiency and good value for money 

Open -We communicate with staff, beneficiaries and stakeholders in a way that is honest, transparent and accountable. We are committed to promoting diversity and equality, individual and group respect, rights and responsibilities

Creative – We embrace change and innovation. 

 

STAFF TEAM 

Lloyd Walker, Director 

Lloyd Walker has over 25 years’ experience in the housing sector, having successfully provided a high standard of accommodation for vulnerable groups such as care leavers, young people and ex-offenders. Lloyd is passionate about making a difference to ex-offenders’ lives and giving them the opportunity to turn their lives around. He believes that good housing is the foundation on which this can be achieved. 

Kingsley Bempah, Director of Operations 

Kingsley has extensive experience in housing management working with ex-offenders London wide. He has worked with various charities in developing services and for vulnerable groups, including the homeless and people with substance dependency. He currently leads the delivery of ARKRS’s social care and offender services for people who have multiple needs including mental health issues. 

Our board of trustees 

Helena Sutcliffe 
Dr Godfred Boahen 
Andrew Linton 
Gilbert Stowe 
Jan Jenkins 

WHO ARE OUR BENEFICIARIES? 

ARKRS supports ex-offenders on release from prison when they are at risk of homelessness or struggling to reintegrate into the community. We focus on individuals who are marginalised, most excluded from other services and who require support to meet their basic human needs, whilst finding stability and addressing their offending and/or substance use. Other beneficiaries are close to independence and ARKRS helps them take the last few steps – or they are used to independence but need our support with issues placing them at risk of homelessness. 

WHAT ARE THE KEY ISSUES FACING OUR BENEFICIARIES? 

ARKRS specialises in working with offenders who receive short sentences, but are at high risk of re-offending and are vulnerable and/or a risk to themselves for the following reasons: 

• Mental ill health 
• Personality disorder 
• Offending history 
• Homelessness 
• Economic status 
• Substance misuse 
• Victims of abuse 

OUR HISTORY 

ARKRS was set up in 2014 by a group of agencies, including landlords and probation staff – who identified a need for providing housing and support to vulnerable offenders and, following local surveys and research, came together to set up this specialist community organisation. 

ARKRS began by dealing with low risk offending groups (i.e. less likely to re-offend). We are now the leading provider of housing for Haringey Integrated Offender Management (IOM) – made up of Police, Probation and Prison services – as well as Haringey Vulnerable Adults Team and other voluntary organisations.