During the reception Mark Goodyer, human resources director at Sodexo UK & Ireland welcomed Rt Hon Justine Greening, chair of The Purpose Coalition, who announced a new collaboration between The Purpose Coalition and Sodexo’s Starting Fresh programme.
Starting Fresh provides proactive steps for more businesses to recruit candidates directly from prisons, creating more sustainable employment opportunities which are essential for successful reintegration into society.
The Purpose Coalition will lead new research to gain insights from those in the justice system on how employers can better support them into work at the end of their sentence. The findings will help shape future work programmes that address need, enhance rehabilitation and aim to reduce reoffending.
Tony Simpson, justice chief operating officer at Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “We believe in the power of business to drive social mobility and be a force for good. As the operator of six prisons across the UK, we see first-hand the transformative impact that meaningful employment can have on individuals leaving the justice system.
“Our prison employment leads work with a wide range of employers to create sustainable jobs, helping people rebuild their lives. Through our longstanding partnership with The Purpose Coalition, we aim to unite more purpose-driven businesses to create further opportunities and continue to challenge perceptions.”
By providing guidance to employers and policy makers on proactively hiring individuals with criminal convictions, the programme addresses common misconceptions and highlights the valuable contributions these individuals can make to the workforce.