1. Getting the culture right
Follow organisations doing great stuff in this space
Following organisations that are doing great work in the space of hiring people with convictions can help employers stay informed about the latest trends, best practices and resources related to creating a safe, fair and inclusive recruitment process. By taking this action, employers can demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and building a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
What does success look like?
Access to valuable insights, best practices and resources related to hiring people with convictions.
Enhanced understanding of the latest trends and developments in creating a safe, fair, and inclusive recruitment process for ex-offenders.
Opportunities for networking and collaboration with other like-minded professionals and organisations.
Improved policies and procedures to support the recruitment of people with convictions.
Increased awareness of the importance of social responsibility and building a more diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
How would Offploy do it?
Research reputable organisations: Look for organisations that are relevant to your industry and have a reputation for excellence in the area of hiring people with convictions. See: The Timpson Foundation - Timpson Group (timpson-group.co.uk) or Top 9 Companies to Seek a Job from With a Criminal Record — Personnel Checks and Giving prisoners a fresh start through employment | CBI
Follow organisations on social media: Follow the organisations on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook to stay up-to-date on their latest news, events, resources and best practices. See: James Timpson (@JamesTCobbler) / Twitter and HMPPS on Twitter: " 🚨Employment Advisory Boards have now been rolled out in all 92 resettlement prisons in England & Wales. These allow firms to help prison leavers find work, boosting the economy & reducing reoffending. @JamesTCobbler explains the benefits👇 Read more: https://t.co/ULQ8dfxfg1 https://t.co/xbRbzFy0xc" / Twitter
Also Paul Cowley of Iceland Foods is on X/Twitter here: @paulcowleyMBE
Sign up for newsletters and mailing lists: Subscribe to their newsletters and mailing lists to receive valuable insights and resources directly to your inbox.
Attend events and webinars hosted by these organisations to learn about the latest trends, best practices and emerging technologies related to hiring people with convictions. See: Criminal record disclosure training - Unlock
Participate in discussions and forums: Participate in online discussions and forums hosted by the organisations to connect with like-minded professionals and learn from others' experiences. See: (6) Fair Chances CSR & HR Forum | Groups | LinkedIn
Examples in Practice
There are so many more companies doing great work in this space, so here are a few more for you:
RAW Talent Programme | COOK (cookfood.net)
Iceland appoints ‘director of rehabilitation’ to recruit ex-offenders | News | The Grocer
Greggs to offer jobs to ex-offenders as soon as 'they walk through the prison gate' - LBC
Halfords Helps Break The Cycle of Reoffending - Halfords Group plc (halfordscompany.com)
Pret A Manger is offering work placements to prisoners (inews.co.uk)
Kier to offer apprenticeships to prisoners following ground-breaking law change - Highways News (highways-news.com)
Almost two-thirds of employers set to hire ex-offenders in 2023 (sodexo.com)
Case Study