The sessions will be delivered as part of Sodexo’s SheWorks programme, which aims to introduce women to new job opportunities they may not have previously considered.
The virtual sessions will be delivered in two of Sodexo’s female prisons, HMP Bronzefield in Surrey and HMP Peterborough, as well as HMP Drake Hall in Staffordshire. Each event will include guest speakers from across Sodexo’s business talking about their jobs and career.
Janine McDowell, chief executive of Sodexo Justice, said: “Women in prison often face a number of hurdles when trying to secure employment on release, which for many is a crucial step towards resettling back into the community.
“This new series of Sodexo’s SheWorks webinars will hopefully offer inspiration to women looking to embark upon a new life journey – one that will open-up new job and career opportunities and ultimately help them back into employment.”
As part of its social impact pledge Sodexo is aiming to fill 5% of its job vacancies with prison leavers and those with an offending background by 2023, where appropriate to do so.
Laurie Buckton, equalities lead for HMPPS women’s estate, added: “The women in our prisons often find it challenging to gain employment on release, which is why initiatives such as the SheWorks programme are so important to help them to gain valuable skills, and inspire them to have the confidence to apply for jobs in the community.”