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Cleaning solutions provider, Kärcher UK, has continued to make a meaningful impact through its Makes a Difference programme at HMP Stocken, part of the Prison Group Directorate.
Building on a year of progress since announcing the partnership, Kärcher UK is sharing the positive outcomes delivered throughout a highly successful 2025, supporting prisoner rehabilitation through qualifications and real-life, transferable skills that can benefit participants upon release.
2025 has marked a standout year for the initiative. Since the programme’s inception in 2024, 54 people have graduated and received a qualification to support them upon release. Of those, 21 graduated in 2024, with the course going from strength to strength in 2025, achieving an impressive 33 graduates last year alone. In addition, graduates are seeking to take forward the skills garnered, with one previous graduate now studying L2 C & G Mechanical Operations. Currently, there are 10 participants on course to graduate from the programme, as Kärcher and HMP Stocken continue to build momentum into 2026.
The importance of the partnership was further recognised this year, with Kärcher winning the 2025 Commercial Partner of the Year Award alongside HMP Stocken. This prestigious accolade honours organisations that demonstrate outstanding collaboration and professionalism, enhance safety, support prisoner rehabilitation, and contribute social value. The award is a powerful reflection of the positive impact Kärcher and HMP Stocken have created together through the Makes a Difference programme.
As part of the programme, the Makes a Difference Award was presented each quarter in 2025, handed out by the Workshop Manager and Mentor in recognition of individuals making a difference through their behaviour and contribution. Presentations were tied in with prison visits, allowing family and friends to see winners awarded with a framed Kärcher certificate and value item.
John Hale, Service Operations Manager at Kärcher commented: “Here at Kärcher UK, we are delighted to share details of such a positive and successful 2025 working with HMP Stocken, offering rehabilitation and a second chance to those who need it most. It is a privilege to be in partnership with an established training prison helping to change lives for the better, and we are already on course to see a further 10 graduates this year.”
Laura Groom, Head of Education work & Skills at HMP Stocken added: “All of us at HMP Stocken are thrilled to be in partnership with a world-renowned brand in Kärcher, providing education and training to our prisoners. We have had a thoroughly successful 2025 with 33 graduates and look forward to continuing our partnership into 2026 and beyond.”
