Today Offploy had the privilege of sponsoring HR World's inclusive employment-focused webinar; Employing Ex-Offenders: Don’t Lock Out 1 in 4 Applicants. This event brought together forward-thinking employers and social impact leaders to explore the challenges and rewards of employing people with convictions.
1 in 4 people in the UK have a criminal conviction. This session offered actionable insights and inspiring stories about engaging people with convictions; a segment of the work-eligible population often overlooked but brimming with potential.
During the webinar we joined Lisa McAteer from Balfour Beatty and Beckie Rowland-Turner from Greggs to discuss what it takes to build policies and practices that welcome people with convictions into the workforce. Whether it's through direct outreach to prisons or simply being more open to candidates via regular recruitment channels, the message was clear:
Meaningful change does not require a complete overhaul.
Employers can start small by rethinking policies and learning how to handle sensitive data properly before scaling up their efforts. The discussion also highlighted the broader business benefits of these hiring practices. Employees value workplaces that embrace inclusivity - not just in principle but in action. Recruiting people with convictions can improve retention, diversify perspectives, and strengthen an organisation’s culture. It’s not just about filling roles; it’s about fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, unburdened by their past.
If you missed it, you can watch the full webinar replay below and hear from the people who’ve successfully implemented these strategies, turning inclusion into impact.
To read more about this event, check out HR World's recap of the session.
Offploy is here to help with free, confidential advice for employers considering people with convictions. Whether you're taking your first steps towards hiring ex-offenders or improving existing processes, book a call with us today.