Supporting prison leavers: Creating Opportunities for all - being impact focused, and committed to Social Mobility...

Solving our social mobility issue is pivotal to stimulating our economy, creating equitable opportunities for all is key to the UK’s success, and we as employers hold the key to breaking down the barriers many in society face, through the way in which we create meaningful opportunities for all.

A person’s background should not forever define how far they can progress in life, but it invariably does. This to some, may be an emotive statement, but nevertheless, one that we should consider, and explore, by taking a relevant and proportionate approach to how we respond, in a sensitive, considered way.

Supporting prison leavers into employment is not just a matter of social justice; it is a critical step towards enhancing social mobility in order to create positive, lasting, social impact on individuals and communities; whilst fulfilling the needs of businesses – attracting the talent we need with the skills we need.

During a recent visit to [Sodexo's] HMP Addiewell, kindly hosted by Director, Samantha Pariser and Justice Operations Director, Tony Simpson , I was joined by Lord Walney and Danny Davis of the The Purpose Coalition , and Hamish Robertson of The Wise Group . We saw and heard first hand the journey of a number of individuals - the importance they placed on faith (religious or otherwise), the support they received from prison staff and partners, their abilities, and their challenges in re-calibrating their belief system that yes I can, and will, positively contribute to society upon release.

Their goal? To make positive steps forward, for themselves, their families, and society as a whole; put the work experience, skills and training that they have gained whilst in custody and before custody, into practice. One prisoner described rehabilitation is progression.

So, it is up to us, to industry, to government. We need to change one heart, one mind at a time; shift attitudes and behaviours in order to recognise the value this portion of society can create. Some businesses have misconceptions, some may want to support, but just don’t know where to start. At Sodexo UK and Ireland , we can assist you with your thinking, your ability to engage through our #StartingFresh initiative.

Why is it so important? People with criminal convictions can, and do, make a valuable contribution to many businesses, but misconceptions mean they are often not considered for roles. At Sodexo we have been recruiting people with convictions into our business and have created a guide from our experiences to assist employers who are interested in exploring hiring people with convictions into their business.?

With more than one million vacancies across the country, it’s important that employers consider all avenues available to them when recruiting to fill vacancies, including exploring employing people with criminal convictions, looking at how we help break down the barriers for individuals who can, and want to work, contribute positively to society, and have, whilst in prison, very often up-skilled, re-trained, achieve qualifications, academic and vocational that meet the needs of businesses..

How this fits with Social Mobility? - Employment and skills are key drivers of social mobility – this we would all agree upon? Yes?

For prison leavers, securing a job can be a transformative experience. It offers them another chance to rebuild their lives, for them, their families, and us as members of their local community.

The skills, experience, positive contribution that they can offer to employers helps shift the dial on attracting employees, retaining them, and demonstrating authenticity as a purposeful, responsible business.

Whilst in prison, many individuals undertake personal and social development, acquire work-skills that meet current labour market requirements. They often build on previous skills, training, qualifications –and many of which are ‘work ready’ upon release; they just need an employer who is ready, and willing, to support them into work, and support them in work, as they would for any other employee.

By providing stable employment, we better enable individuals to contribute positively to society, support their families, and move up the social ladder, and helps break the cycle of reoffending. This is often fuelled by the lack of opportunities and support afforded to individuals in our communities. So, let us give them the opportunities they need, and secure the talent we need to growth our businesses.

Social Impact - The social impact of integrating prison leavers into the workforce is profound. It reduces the burden on the criminal justice system and decreases the costs associated with return to custody. Moreover, it fosters safer communities by addressing one of the root causes of crime: unemployment. When former prisoners are given the chance to work, they are less likely to return to criminal activities, leading to a more stable and secure society, and increase productivity, profitability, and engagement levels for employers.

Securing work of course is only one of the considerations when supporting individuals – the support they are given throughout their journey must aim to instil hope, a more positive belief system that allows them to aspire for themselves, their families, and the positive contribution they will make upon release. This is one of our key focuses at Sodexo - Justice. A holistic, person-centred approach is needed, but only achieved through radical collaboration!

Our Collective Responsibility - Businesses play a crucial role in this process. By adopting inclusive hiring practices, companies can tap into a diverse talent pool and benefit from the unique perspectives and skills that prison leavers bring. It is not just about corporate social responsibility; it is about recognising the potential in every individual and giving them the opportunity to succeed. The benefits speak for themselves - enhanced employee loyalty, improved public perception, and a stronger sense of community.

However, it is recognised that often businesses who want to make a meaningful impact and shift the social mobility dial may not know where to start. This is where Sodexo through its 30 years plus of managing prisons has developed a Toolkit for employers. Follow the link at end, do not hesitate in reaching out to our HR team for more information.

Consider being a Ban the Box employer – this helps you break down your own barriers to employing individuals, whilst breaking down the barriers for those with a criminal conviction. Visit the Business in the Community website to find out more: ?Employers That Have Banned The Box - Business in the Community (bitc.org.uk)

Conclusion

Supporting prison leavers into work is a multifaceted issue, we need collective efforts across industry, government/policymakers, communities, and society. By doing so, we can drive up the level of social mobility across the UK, create significant social impact, demonstrating social return on investment as well as return on investment in terms of reducing the costs associated with crime, and re-offending - and of course, we each can better fulfil our responsibility to build a more inclusive and equitable society.

The time is now if we are to truly shift the dial for those able to, and willing to contribute positively to society, and our economy.

I come from a position of working for a business truly committed to social mobility, through an ‘Impact Lens’, but also, the values that I hold and live – deriving from personal, and hands on experience of knowing and working alongside individuals who strive to better enable others to have a greater chance in the next chapter of their life.

Please do reach out to our team at Sodexo to discuss, or explore further:

Starting Fresh: Driving career opportunities for people with convictions (sodexo.com)

https://www.paperturn-view.com/?pid=ODg8813234&v=3