Member News
"If you've experienced being locked up in a cell, you don't have many bad days at work. Adderstone gave me an opportunity where dozens of others turned me away. I won't let them down."
As Stan Birtwhistle discovered, a criminal conviction doesn't automatically mean the end-of-the-road for career prospects.
As part of the Ministry of Justice backed scheme, Ian Baggett - Adderstone Group's Founder CEO and former North East Entrepreneur of the Year - has agreed to chair HMP Northumberland's Employment Advisory Board. Lindsay Blackmore, Deputy Director at HMP Northumberland, advocates strongly for rehabilitation and is a firm believer that employment is key to long term desistance from crime.
The benefits of employing prison-leavers - for the ex-offenders themselves, their families, communities and the companies who recruit them - are multi-layered. Employment Advisory Boards (EABs) link prisons with the business networks in their region, helping prison-leavers secure paid work and helping businesses grow their workforce.
Ian Baggett says, "Recruiting ex-offenders might not be a classic HR strategy but the evidence does stack up. Everyone needs a job and a purpose in life. Our day job is regenerating and enhancing built environments, so why wouldn't we do our bit to help safeguard communities too? It's unbelievably rewarding to watch someone thrive on the back of a second chance. I'd encourage employers across the region to get involved and not just out of social responsibility. The vast majority of ex-offenders are extremely loyal, productive and hardworking so it makes great business sense."
An initiative to boost the number of prisoners being released from resettlement prisons straight into paid work, EABs have a local employment strategy and offer brilliant opportunities for businesses. Prisons are supported by Regional Skills Partnerships to ensure the training they deliver meets the specific industry needs of local businesses. And - recognising that when hiring people with convictions, employers might need guidance to manage risk and make informed decisions - there's an extensive support framework in place.
"Through initiatives like these, we can address skills shortages across the north-east and contribute to a national reduction in re-offending," says Beverley Brooks, EAB member and Founder-Director of The Recruitment Junction, the north-east's only specialist recruitment agency for people with prior convictions. "I am passionate about seeing people with convictions rediscover their sense of purpose through work and become role models, driving positive generational impact across their families."
Deputy Prime Minister, Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor Dominic Raab MP officially launched the scheme - crucial in tackling the £18 billion cost of re-offending - during a visit to HMP Wandsworth's EAB, last week. "Getting prison leavers into work is a formula that works. It reduces the chance of re-offending – cutting crime and making the public safer. It's a true win-win, allowing us to boost public protection and save the taxpayer money, while providing the reliable staff businesses need to drive the British economy."
Employers interested in learning more about the opportunities available can contact Beverley Brooks at The Recruitment Junction on beverley.brooks@therecruitmentjunction.com
