Businesses have the power to drive real social change by partnering with prisons to hire ex-offenders. These partnerships not only provide access to a skilled and motivated talent pool but also offer a chance to address some of the biggest challenges businesses face today, including rising recruitment costs and persistent skills shortages.
By opening their doors to individuals eager to rebuild their lives after leaving prison, employers can strengthen their workforce while demonstrating leadership in inclusivity and corporate social responsibility.
This blog explores the mutual benefits of workplace-prison collaborations, highlighting how they can contribute to both the success of a business and societal progress.
Our missionAt Offploy, we are committed to supporting businesses in adopting inclusive hiring practices, encouraging the employment of ex-offenders and fair recruitment policies.
We work alongside organisations to build diverse workplaces where individuals can thrive. Our vision is to break down barriers, paving the way for growth and stronger communities. |
How Workplaces Partnering With Prisons Drives Business and Social Impact
Access to a skilled and motivated workforce
Prison work programs provide prisoners with industry-level qualifications and practical skills that directly address labour market needs. Many prisons offer training in trades like construction, catering, and IT, helping businesses fill critical skills gaps.
With one-third of organisations struggling to find skilled workers, this readily available talent pool offers an effective solution. In addition to being skilled, individuals who have gone through these programs are often highly motivated and determined to get a job, eager to rebuild their lives and contribute to a productive workforce.
Employers who engage with these programs gain access to candidates who are trained, prepared, and ready to excel.

Enhanced corporate social responsibility (CSR)
Hiring ex-offenders aligns businesses with societal goals and enhances their public image. Research from GOV.UK indicates that 81% of people view companies employing ex-offenders as making a positive contribution to society, and 92% of employers report that inclusive recruitment practices have improved their reputation.
Providing stable employment has been shown to reduce the likelihood of reoffending and supports resettlement into communities, benefitting families and dependents. It also offers rehabilitation opportunities that are critical for people with criminal records to integrate into society successfully.
For businesses looking to align with modern values and demonstrate leadership in diversity and inclusion, partnering with prisons or organisations like Offploy is a tangible way to make a difference.
Economic and business benefits
Engaging with prison work programs can lead to significant cost savings for businesses. According to this report by the CIPD, traditional recruitment for non-managerial roles costs around £2,000, but partnering with prisons reduces these overheads by offering pre-screened candidates and placement opportunities.
Additionally, retention rates for employees hired through these programs are often higher. For example, Timpson, a leader in hiring ex-offenders, boasts a 75% retention rate, demonstrating the loyalty and reliability of these individuals.
By reducing turnover and recruitment costs, employers can see substantial financial benefits while fostering a dedicated and skilled workforce.
Workplace-Prison Partnerships in the UK
The New Futures Network
The New Futures Network is a government initiative that connects prisons with businesses to fill job vacancies. This program works with employers to identify their needs and matches them with candidates trained through prison work programs. It also offers guidance on risk management and supports organisations throughout the recruitment process.
These services can help employers navigate complex areas like probation, disclosure of criminal convictions, and role-specific risk assessments, ensuring a smooth hiring process serving both prisoners and prison leavers.
How Businesses Can Get Involved
Partner with local prisons
Engaging directly with prisons is an effective way to start. Local prisons often have established training programs that equip serving prisoners with the skills they need to transition into work upon release.
Programs like the New Futures Network help organisations identify suitable prisons and candidates, offering support throughout the recruitment process, from placements to ongoing mentorship.
Leverage guidance from external organisations
Organisations like Offploy provide end-to-end guidance for employers looking to hire former prisoners. From developing inclusive recruitment policies to offering risk management training, we equip businesses with the tools and confidence to access this talent pool.
Additionally, we support candidates by addressing barriers such as accommodation and preparing them to navigate the criminal justice system.
Build internal support
Creating a supportive workplace culture is crucial to the success of these partnerships. Appointing Ex-Offender Inclusion Champions, running awareness sessions, and offering bias training to hiring managers can help foster understanding and reduce stigma.
Engaging staff through surveys and open communication ensures the entire organisation supports the initiative. Mentorship programs are another effective way to integrate individuals with criminal records into the workplace.
Track and share success
Measuring outcomes such as retention rates, productivity gains, and social impact can demonstrate the benefits of hiring ex-offenders. Sharing success stories both internally and externally can inspire other organisations to explore similar partnerships, amplifying the impact.
Our Expertise: Helping Employers Hire Inclusively
We work with employers to make hiring ex-offenders straightforward and impactful. Our services include advice on building inclusive cultures, developing recruitment policies, and managing risk. We also provide training for hiring managers, ensuring businesses are equipped to navigate disclosures and create supportive environments.
For example, we offer tools to help organisations understand how to process applications from people with criminal records, manage disclosures effectively, and develop policies compliant with HMP standards.
Our work has generated over £7 million in social value in 2023 alone, with an impressive Social Return on Investment (SROI) of £12.09 for every £1 invested. See our Social Impact Report to learn more.
By partnering with Offploy, businesses can confidently access a skilled, motivated workforce while driving meaningful social change.
In summary:
Workplace-prison partnerships offer a unique opportunity for businesses to address skills shortages, improve CSR outcomes, and foster a diverse and motivated workforce.
By providing stable employment for ex-offenders, organisations contribute to societal reintegration, developing a loyal, skilled team of workers.
We're Here To Help: Contact Offploy today to explore how your business can unlock the potential of workplace-prison collaborations and lead the way in inclusive hiring.