Baseline on the Broads (Bob) is a unique programme that is winning universal acclaim - and has even attracted the interest of home secretary Theresa May.

The projects, created in conjunction with Future Projects, the Broads Authority and Norfolk County Council, takes ex-offenders and provides them with a disciplined 5 day a week working routine in and around the Norfolk broads.

Led by former Para Dion Gilvey, “Bob Boys” have not escaped the attention of country park users who have been quick to voice their gratitude regarding all the hard work, from building steps and repairing fences to coppicing, bush management and even building otter holts. The practical element of the programme is combined with education and training at Easton College to provide qualifications and increase employment chances.

As the first of two six-month programmes comes to a conclusion this month there has been not a single drop-out among the nine recruits, one of which has already found a full-time gardening job.
Luke Kett, 21, of Beecheno Road, was thought by some – but never Ms Jackson or Mr Gilvey – to be the least likely to make the grade with his record of drunken violence that had seen him spend four years in custody. However, he achieved the best attendance, missing just two sessions, and said: “I am now motivated, willing and looking for some kind of outdoor job. My CV looks good and Baseline has helped me more than any Jobcentre.”

To find out more about 'Bob Boys' contact Daniel Childerhouse. You can also read more about the success of the scheme in the following Norwich Evening News article.