Criminal justice charities and campaigners met in the City of London on 29 April. Their aim was to challenge more companies to give jobs to people leaving prison.
At the event, Iceland Foods and DSA Connect each received the YOUNITED Flag. The kitemark recognises employers that take on people returning to everyday life after serving at least six months.
Eighteen companies already hold the Flag. They include KPMG UK, Sony Music UK and NBCUniversal.
Lady Val Corbett, founder of The Corbett Network for Prisoner Reintegration, hosted the gathering at Leathersellers’ Hall. She ran it jointly with Key4Life, a rehabilitation charity that offers equine therapy in prisons.
Two former showjumping horses, Cruising and Carlos, also attended. They took pride of place at the presentation ceremony.
A survey by the charity Working Chance found that 27 per cent of employers would refuse to take on a person with a conviction. Wider research suggests exclusion rates can be much higher, depending on hiring policies. The Flag sets out to celebrate employers that drive inclusion and remove unfair prejudice.
Lady Corbett said the alliance with Key4Life aimed to bring urgent and lasting change. She said it was challenging Corporate Britain to create meaningful jobs and fair chances for returning citizens.
Iceland Foods has employed more than 700 former prisoners. Paul Cowley MBE, the company’s Director of Rehabilitation, collected its award. “I am honoured to receive the YOUNITED Flag, which represents hope, unity and the power of giving people a second chance to rebuild and change their lives,” he said.
Harry Benham, Chairman of DSA Connect, accepted the award on behalf of his company. He said that if he picked the best 20 employees from a career of more than 50 years, all of them would be ex-offenders. “If they get the opportunity and guidance to turn it around, they will become top class employees,” he said.
The event also marked the launch of the Corbett Network Recruitment Agency. The agency will look for job opportunities for prison leavers.
