1. Getting the culture right
Become an active member of relevant forums and networks
Join communities like the Employer’s Forum for Reducing Reoffending, local Prison Employment Boards, and the Corbett Network to access support, enhance your reputation, and demonstrate your commitment to supporting people with convictions.
What does success look like?
Active membership in relevant forums and networks.
Access to support and resources from like-minded employers and services.
Enhanced reputation among potential applicants and external stakeholders.
Opportunities for external accreditation and recruitment of ex-offender talent.
How would Offploy do it?
Identify a network or forum that is appropriate to your needs and stage in the journey to employing people with convictions
Speak with at least one forum member who can advise you on the commitment that may be needed to become a member.
If you have a local prison with an employment board you could contact them to arrange a visit and enquire about becoming a board member. These are part of the New Futures Network, a government initiative to help ex-offenders smoothly transition into work on leaving prison.
Publicise your involvement in the network or forum on your company website. This will help your staff and customers to appreciate your commitment to recruiting people with convictions.
Examples in Practice
There are many great networks and organisations out there, including:
Robin Corbett Award and the Corbett Network – Lady Val Corbett’s Professional Network (ladyvalnetwork.biz)
Employers' Forum For Reducing Re-offending (EFFRR) | Ingeus
Nothing to see here... yet.
We're still putting the finishing touches on our new Employing With Conviction Guide.