Our Meet the Team feature is a great way for us to introduce you to the Fine Cell Work team. To continue the series, we caught up with Rupert, Fine Cell Work's Engagement and Support Officer, to learn more about his role at the charity.

I have been at Fine Cell Work since October 2025. 

I work on the Open The Gate, our post-release programme at our Battersea Hub.

No two days are ever quite the same in my role!

Most mornings start with checking attendance, travel plans and any wellbeing or risk updates to make sure the programme is running smoothly. 

A large part of my day is spent supporting apprentices one-to-one, helping to build confidence, develop employability skills and work through practical challenges such as disclosing criminal records or planning next steps into training or employment. Alongside this, I manage referrals and keep risk management processes up to date. 

I also focus on creating new opportunities for apprentices by building partnerships, organising visits and identifying pathways that support long-term stability and positive progression. My role is about providing structure, encouragement and meaningful opportunities for people rebuilding their lives after release. 

As part of my role, I organise the annual Fine Cell Work Apprentice and Graduate Christmas Party where over 50 people past and present gather to catch up and celebrate together. It’s hard work, but a very rewarding day! 

What I find most rewarding about my job is...

...seeing the progress an apprentice makes from the point I first meet them. Often, they arrive feeling uncertain about their future or lacking confidence in their abilities. Being able to support someone through that journey and then watching them develop new skills, grow in self-belief and begin to plan positively for their future is incredibly fulfilling. 

I really enjoy taking Apprentices on cultural visits.

Recently, I accompanied a group to the Royal Hospital Chelsea as part of our partnership with the Chelsea Pensioners. It was a wonderful behind-the-scenes tour, and having the chance to sit down and talk with several Pensioners made the visit especially memorable. 

I’ve spent around a decade working in criminal justice...

...primarily in advice, advocacy, safeguarding, and training roles and I can’t imagine doing anything else now. Outside of work, I love going for walks, whether on my own or with friends, especially in the countryside beyond London. I’m also (slowly!) learning Mandarin, it’s challenging but rewarding. 你好，我叫鲁珀特，很高兴认识你  - Hello, I’m Rupert, nice to meet you!   

Fine Cell Work is a small but mighty social enterprise and charity.

My colleagues are absolutely dedicated to our mission and being part of the Fine Cell family is such a privilege. I never imagined that criminal justice, stitching, and embroidery would cross paths, but just it highlights the incredible talent within our prisons. Providing people with skills and a genuine second chance is something everyone deserves. 

If I had to pick a favourite Fine Cell Work product...

...it would be the Moustaches Embroidered Cushion. I absolutely love the design and I’m a proud owner of one! I only hope that one day I can grow a moustache as impressive as the ones stitched onto it. It’s wonderfully quirky, full of character, and always sparks conversation whenever I have guests over. 

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There are many ways to get involved with Fine Cell Work. Our diverse community is made up of stitchers, post-release apprentices, volunteers, trustees and staff.

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