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Community Payback - what it is

Doing unpaid work as part of a community sentence is known as ‘Community Payback’. It’s a way to pay back to the community for the damage a crime has caused.

Your offender manager discusses the type of work that’s best for you - and also where and when the work is.

• Offender managers - how they can support you

Types of work done on Community Payback

Community Payback can involve work like:

• removing graffiti
• clearing overgrown areas - like pathways
• clearing wasteland
• decorating public places and buildings - for example, a community centre

You may work in a team which is managed by a Community Payback supervisor.

The work aims to help you learn new skills and get on better with people around you.

Where work is carried out

It’s likely that the work is carried out in your local area. You must wear a high visibility orange vest so that people can see you’re being punished for your crime.

Members of the public can suggest Community Payback projects that would benefit their area.

• Nominate a Community Payback project Opens new window

How much Community Payback work you have to do

The court can sentence you to between 40 and 300 hours. The very minimum you are required to work is six hours a week. If you’re unemployed you may be required to work on three or four days each week.

If you’re in paid employment, the Community Payback work will be arranged outside your working hours, like evenings or weekends.

It’s your responsibility to make sure that you are available to complete your Community Payback sentence.

What happens if you miss a Community Payback work session

If you miss a work session, you must let your offender manager know why. If there’s a good reason for not turning up to work you must give evidence - like a letter from your doctor or employer.

If you miss a work session without a good reason, your offender manager will give you a warning. They may also arrange for you to be sent back to court. If this happens, your punishment could increase.

You can find out more about probation from the links below.

• Probation - what it is

• What happens if you break the terms of your probation