Key organisations in offender education, training and employability are working together with leading employers to look at the value of recruiting ex-offenders and the real opportunities available to help fill skills gaps in the catering and hospitality industry.
Fred Sirieix, of popular Channel 4 programme First Dates and General Manager of the Michelin-starred restaurant Galvin at Windows in London’s Hilton Park Lane Hotel, spoke to employers about the impact of meaningful employment opportunities for offenders and his own experiences of transforming people’s lives through learning and skills, at a unique first-of-its kind event held at Wembley Stadium.
Fred has experience of working with the justice sector and is a partner with Novus, who deliver education, training and employment opportunities to adults and young people in UK prisons, on The Right Course, which gives young offenders career-relevant skills, knowledge and qualifications, preparing them for a brighter future.
He said: “I have personal experience of employing ex-offenders and have seen first-hand the positive contribution they can make to an organisation, given the opportunity. Education, training and rehabilitation are vitally important within prison settings and I want to show employers how they could benefit from this often over-looked group of potential employees.”
Novus was proud to be a key player in the event at Wembley Stadium. Led by Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and their key partners who make up the Employer Engagement Partnership Group (EEPG) for London and Thames Valley, the event was an opportunity for employers to offer advice and showcase success stories to businesses who don’t currently offer opportunities to ex-offenders.
Barbara McDonough, Novus Chief Operating Officer, said: “We know that offenders are much less likely to commit further crimes if they are able to enter the world of work when they leave prison. We are already working with employers within the catering and hospitality sector, developing training courses and equipping our learners with skills and qualifications that the employers are looking for. This is a real opportunity for us to develop new partnerships with organisations and support them in fulfilling their skills needs.
“The prospect of being able to move into employment on release is incredibly motivating for an offender and begins to create a sense of loyalty towards an employer. Giving someone a second chance at this point in their life will be paid back ten-fold in hard work, reliability and commitment. This process also brings diversity into the workplace and enables other employees to see their company live its own values. It can be an incredibly positive experience for all involved.”