Another Chance Employment: Success Stories of Ex-Offenders and Why It Matters
- Jacob Hill
- Aug 14
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 21
In 2024, 57,277 offenders were released from custody, all of whom faced a difficult question: what now?
Securing a stable job, finding safe accommodation, and breaking the cycle of reoffending are all vital steps towards moving forward.
But without the right support, many fall back into old patterns. For employers, this is not just a social issue; it’s a business one too. Inclusive hiring can unlock skills, increase retention, and help reduce reoffending across society.
At Offploy, we help businesses interested in inclusive hiring, as well as individuals with criminal convictions looking to transform their lives through stable employment. This article shares real stories, key impact data, and why employing ex-offenders is both a smart and socially valuable choice for organisations today.
Reoffending and Employment: Why It Matters
According to the Ministry of Justice’s 2023 statistics, the overall proven reoffending rate in England and Wales is 26.5%, that’s one in four people. The figure is even higher for those leaving prison after short sentences of under 12 months, rising to 56.9%.
Having stable employment is one of the clearest factors linked to reducing reoffending. Recent Ministry of Justice statistics shows that having a job can cut reoffending risk by up to nine percentage points.
Yet barriers remain, as many employers still feel unsure about hiring someone with a criminal record. According to Working Chance’s 2022 survey, 30% of UK employers said they would automatically exclude candidates who disclosed an unspent conviction.
How Offploy Helps: Measurable Impact and Real Support
Offploy 2024 Stats
Offploy was founded in 2016, built upon the lived experience of the criminal justice system. As well as working with businesses to support fair and inclusive hiring, we work with individuals who have also been affected by the criminal justice system, supporting them holistically and tackling the root causes of reoffending.
In 2024, Offploy supported 955 candidates:
881 individuals received Foundation support.
668 continued through to Enhanced support.
Since founding, we’ve worked with 2,195 individuals up to Foundation stage and 1,470 through Enhanced support.
Offploy’s impact goes beyond employment:
In 2024, 801 candidates completed at least one SMART goal to improve skills and wellbeing.
Including 609 employability goals, 97 vocational qualifications, and 41 financial goals.
729 candidates created disclosure letters to support open, confident conversations with employers.
760 candidates reported improved mindset, 490 reported increased self-efficacy, and 622 reported stronger personal relationships.
81 candidates achieved safer housing, moving from rough sleeping or temporary housing to secure accommodation.
When it comes to job outcomes:
125 job starts were achieved in 2024.
59 candidates sustained work for 12 weeks or more.
51% remained in those roles six months later, significantly higher than national averages, where only 31.1% of prison leavers are in work at six months post-release.
Our contribution is also reflected in reoffending outcomes. According to this Justice Data Lab analysis:
Offploy participants committed 55 fewer offences per 100 people per year compared to a matched group.
86% of candidates had not reoffended or been recalled six months after completing support.
Alongside candidate support, we work with employers directly:
In 2024, we provided consultancy and training to over 50 employers.
We delivered workshops to 1,280 frontline advisors.
We partnered with the CIPD Trust and St Giles Trust on the Finding Potential mentoring programme.
Real Stories from Those Affected by the Criminal Justice System
These aren’t just numbers or policy debates. Behind every statistic is a real person trying to move forward. At Offploy, we see that journey up close. Here are two examples of how personalised support can help individuals overcome barriers and build a more stable future.
The names of individuals featured in the following stories have been anonymised for confidentiality.
Daniel’s Story: From housing risk to stability
When Daniel joined Offploy, he was living in temporary accommodation due to end shortly. Personal difficulties, including mental health struggles and the breakdown of his marriage, had left him unsure how to move forward.
Daniel knew he needed stable housing before he could focus on employment.
Through Offploy, he received tailored advice on securing private rental accommodation, guidance on how to disclose his conviction to landlords, and help sourcing essential items to move in.
He showed real commitment, attending every appointment, preparing for viewings, and following advice. His efforts paid off. Daniel now has his own accommodation, has started volunteering to rebuild his confidence, and is working with his work coach to return to paid employment.
“Thank you for all of your help. Without Offploy, I don’t think I would have been able to find a place, and who knows what would have happened to me on the streets.” - Daniel
Maria’s Story: How Maria gained confidence and housing security
Maria first came to Offploy while facing eviction. On top of a pending court case with her landlord, she was dealing with mental and physical health challenges. Her wellbeing score was low, and her confidence was even lower.
Offploy provided Maria with housing advice, peer support, and knowledge of how to access discretionary housing payments and benefits-friendly landlords. As her confidence grew, so did her ability to navigate the legal process.
Maria attended every appointment, provided all the necessary documents, and allowed Offploy to liaise with her solicitor. Her first court hearing had a positive outcome, and although her housing situation isn’t yet fully resolved, she now feels resilient and prepared.
“I can’t believe the programme has come to an end. I will miss our chats. You really have helped me stay positive and supported me.” - Maria
The Value of Employing Ex-Offenders
Employing ex-offenders is about more than giving someone a second chance. It delivers clear benefits to businesses.
According to the Ministry of Justice:
Over 80% of businesses that employ ex-offenders rate them as reliable, motivated, punctual, and high-performing.
And it’s not just employers who see the value:
75% of UK consumers say they’re comfortable buying from a business that employs ex-offenders.
81% believe those businesses make a positive contribution to society.
By working with businesses like Offploy, employers can access training, consultancy, and tools to make inclusive hiring easier.
Offploy’s Disclosure Toolkit: Supporting Fair Recruitment
Understanding what criminal record information needs to be shared, and what doesn’t, can feel complex. That’s why we created the Disclosure Toolkit, which offers clear, free advice on disclosure.
It’s just one part of our wider support framework, helping employers recruit fairly and confidently while helping candidates navigate their own disclosure process.
Ready to make a difference?
Employment plays a crucial role in reducing reoffending, building safer communities, and unlocking untapped potential in the UK’s workforce.
Whether you’re an employer looking to hire people with convictions or a professional wanting to support social change, we are here to help.