In 2026, Circles South West, a charity dedicated to the rehabilitation and monitoring of sex offenders across the South West of England, reported significant concern regarding its future. The investigation established that the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has decided to pull funding for the service starting in July 2026. The charity reported that this withdrawal of financial support threatens their ability to provide “circles of support and accountability,” identifying a priority assault on public safety by potentially increasing the risk of re-offending.
The investigation established that Circles South West operates a network of volunteers who work with approximately 400 offenders across seven counties, from Gloucestershire to Cornwall. The charity reported that their work targets high-risk factors such as social isolation, substance misuse, and sexual preoccupation. This identifies a calculated series of interventions to prevent the creation of new victims, particularly as the charity works with a range of individuals, including those convicted of online sexual harm and even sexual murder.
VOLUNTARY REHABILITATION AND MONITORING
The charity reported that a “circle” consists of four volunteers who meet with a “core member” (the offender) weekly for 12 to 18 months. The investigation established that these core members are referred by the police or probation services and participate voluntarily. The prosecution reported in similar contexts that monitoring is essential; volunteers at Circles South West report any concerns—such as a member joining a gym with a swimming pool without approval—directly to the police, which can lead to a prison recall.
Judge-led proceedings and probation reports frequently cite social isolation as a primary driver for recidivism. For offenders in Devon, Somerset, and Plymouth, the charity reported that its services help individuals introduce boundaries, such as using non-internet-enabled phones. The investigation established that between April 2025 and March 2026, 79 circles were active in the region, providing a critical layer of oversight that exceeds standard probation requirements.
FINANCIAL STRAIN AND PUBLIC SAFETY RISKS
The charity reported that each circle costs between £12,000 and £14,000 to run. The investigation established that much of this funding came from a three-year MoJ contract and the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner’s office. However, with the MoJ citing the need for “value for taxpayers’ money,” the funding is set to expire. The charity reported that removing this financial support removes the ability to monitor these men, identifying a priority assault on the “no more victims” strapline that guides their work.
- Regional Impact: 29 of the 79 active circles are located in Devon and Cornwall.
- Scope of Work: The charity also works with children aged 10 and up who exhibit harmful sexual behaviour, noting that 30% of child sexual abuse is committed by other young people.
- Volunteer Network: Volunteers like Alice Hobbs (28) and Gerry Shattock (66) provide the human oversight necessary to hold offenders to account.
- Core Member Testimony: One member, convicted twice for downloading indecent images, reported that the circle helped him manage “inappropriate thoughts” and remain debt-free.
THE FUTURE OF OFFENDER MANAGEMENT
As of May 2026, Circles South West faces a waiting list in all seven counties of operation. Authorities reported that the Ministry of Justice is “considering alternative options,” but the charity reported that the immediate loss of funds puts more people at risk. The investigation established that without the “supported, monitored, and held to account” framework provided by the charity, the transition of offenders from prison back into the community in the South West becomes significantly less secure.
The charity reported that their empirical evidence shows circles reduce the risk of re-offending. Authorities stated that the behaviour of offenders managed by Circles South West identifies a higher level of compliance with life-safety protocols. However, the 2026 funding decision results in an uncertain landscape for public protection in Gloucestershire, Somerset, and beyond, as the “protective bubble” around these offenders is threatened with collapse.
QUESTION – Given that “Circles South West provides a voluntary layer of intense monitoring and accountability for sex offenders that the police and probation service reportedly refer into,” do you believe the law should legally mandate that “All High-Risk Sex Offenders Released into the Community” must be “Financially Supported through Mandatory Rehabilitation Programmes” to prevent a series of assaults?
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