RESIZE – Reshaping Correctional Competencies through RESCALED Innovation

The “RESIZE” project—Reshaping Correctional Competencies through RESCALED Innovation—is a transformative European initiative addressing workforce adaptation within correctional systems. Driven by systemic changes across Europe, RESIZE focuses on creating a modern, flexible framework to improve skills and competencies through micro-credentialing, certification, and recognition of prior learning. By establishing small-scale, community-integrated detention models aligned with the RESCALED initiative, the project strives to elevate correctional standards and practices.

Objectives and Approach

The RESIZE project is designed to:

• Define and Standardize Competency Profiles: Establish a European Qualification Map and core competencies curriculum tailored to the current correctional landscape, creating consistent training standards.
• Promote Recognition of Skills: Implement micro-credentialing, certification, and recognition of prior learning to validate and support the career progression of correctional professionals.
• Develop Regional Pacts for Skills: Form alliances to encourage continuous improvement and lifelong learning within correctional services.

Work Packages (WP)

To achieve these objectives, RESIZE is organized into five structured work packages (WPs):

• WP1: Management and Coordination – Oversees project communication, dissemination, quality assurance, and evaluation, ensuring effective implementation of project goals.
• WP2: Needs Assessment – Conducts an in-depth analysis of skill gaps and training requirements, forming the basis for the competency framework.
• WP3: European Qualification Map and Correctional Core Competencies Curricula – Develops a standardized training model that equips correctional professionals with essential competencies.
• WP4: Core Curricula and Training Programs – Introduces training programs emphasizing lifelong learning and specialized vocational tracks within Centers of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs).
• WP5: Long-Term Action Plan for Sustainable Workforce Development – Focuses on sustainability, visibility, and dissemination, establishing Regional Pacts for Skills, a European Correctional Competencies Observatory, a Micro-credentialing Catalogue, and policy recommendations for Recognition, Validation, and Accreditation (RVA).

Key Outcomes

The RESIZE project, integrated into Pact No. 248: LiberateSkills – A Lifelong Learning European Pact for Correctional Excellence, aims to build a robust, resilient correctional workforce across Europe. The initiatives under RESIZE foster professional growth, support skill recognition, and create pathways for ongoing development in the sector.

Consortium of Partners

The RESIZE project unites a diverse network of European partners, each bringing unique expertise and resources to support the project’s mission:

1. Centrul Pentru Promovarea Invatarii Permanente
2. Penitenciarul Timișoara
3. Penitenciarul Gherla
4. Federation of Correctional Officers of Greece (OSYE)
5. RESCALED
6. Center za izobraževanje in kulturo Trebnje
7. Universidad de Valladolid Yucatánd
8. Qualificalia Analytics S.L.
9. BrainLog
10. Universiteti Luarasi
11. Athens Lifelong Learning Institute
12. Odyssea
13. Richtungswechsel – AT
14. Adult Education Institution Dante
15. CEIPES
16. Città del Ragazzo Ferrara – @Centro Studi Opera Don Calabria
17. Interchange
18. STABILITAS Skopje
19. Aproximar Cooperativa de Solidariedade Social
20. University of East Sarajevo
21. United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
22. University of the Aegean – Πανεπιστήμιο Αιγαίου
23. Shërbimi i Kontrollit të Brendshëm në Sistemin e Burgjeve
24. Fængselsforbundet i Danmark

Impact and Legacy

With a focus on competency development, micro-credentialing, and policy innovation, RESIZE aims to foster a capable and adaptable correctional workforce across Europe. Through collaboration with diverse partners and a commitment to excellence, RESIZE contributes to a new era in correctional services, emphasizing skill development, professional recognition, and continuous learning.