Sodexo partners with Combat2Coffee to offer job skills at HMP Altcourse

Sodexo UK & Ireland and Combat2Coffee have opened a new coffee roastery and staff café at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool. 

The move is aimed at giving prisoners the chance to gain qualifications and work experience before release. 

Sodexo is working with Combat2Coffee on the Clean Slate Café initiative, which includes a roastery and packaging facility inside the prison. 

Up to 10 prisoners will be employed to grind, roast and package Combat2Coffee’s blend using fairtrade and sustainable beans from Brazil.

Prisoners can also gain qualifications in cookery, barista skills, food safety and customer service, with training tailored to individual needs and sentence length. 

Sodexo expects up to 40 prisoners to earn around 100 qualifications in total. 

The coffee will be sold in the prison to staff, prisoners and visitors, with plans to supply other Sodexo sites including prisons and military locations.

Tony Simpson (pictured, left), chief operating officer justice at Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “By introducing a coffee roastery and packaging facility within the prison as well as the opening of a new café, we are supporting our Starting Fresh programme which aims to provide prison leavers with the skills and confidence to secure employment upon release. 

“Also, in a busy prison work environment, the new Clean Slate café supports our commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of our people with the provision of a great space where they can refresh and connect with colleagues.”

Nigel Seaman (pictured, centre), founder and CEO of Combat2Coffee, said: “This partnership with Sodexo marks a powerful step forward for Combat2Coffee and for rehabilitation through purposeful work. 

“This innovative project will provide hands-on training in coffee roasting, grinding, and packaging, equipping participants with valuable skills and real work experience. 

“The aim is simple: to create meaningful employment and rehabilitation opportunities, particularly for veterans in custody.”

Seaman added: “This is a chance for people to rebuild their confidence, gain real qualifications, and prepare for meaningful employment after release. 

“It’s about more than coffee; it’s about wellbeing, second chances, and showing how business and social impact can go hand in hand.”