Tarmac welcomed representatives from across the infrastructure and construction sectors, as well as third party support organisations, to its National Skills & Safety Park on Thursday 26 March for a collaborative event focused on supporting prison leavers into employment.
Around 30 attendees from 20 organisations came together for the day, including Balfour Beatty, Amey, Galliford Try, AmcoGiffen & Carnell Partnership, Severn Trent and Huyton Asphalt, as well as Offploy and Inside Connections. All organisations that were in attendance are at different stages of their journey in supporting prison leavers and Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) programmes. Some attendees already run established initiatives, while others are exploring how their businesses can create pathways into employment for people leaving the prison system and successfully support individuals ‘through the gate’.
The aim of the event was to share best practice, guidance and lessons learned, while exploring opportunities for greater collaboration that also helps address skills shortages and support individuals looking to rebuild their lives after prison.
The event was sparked following a visit to HM Prison Sudbury late last year, where discussions highlighted the value of bringing organisations together to accelerate progress.
Throughout the morning, attendees heard presentations from industry representatives about what they’re doing to support and deliver prison leaver programmes within their organisations, alongside contributions from individuals with lived experience of the justice system who shared personal stories about rebuilding their lives through employment.
The event concluded with an open forum and roundtable discussion over a working lunch, providing attendees with the opportunity to discuss practical steps for expanding opportunities across the sector.
Rachel Evans, Talent Acquisition Manager at Tarmac: “It was a privilege to host the first Prison Leavers Support event. We heard real life stories from those with ‘lived experience’ which were not only interesting but insightful and quite emotional. We now look forward to seeing the momentum continue across the industry. Many businesses across our sector recognise the value that prison leavers can bring to the workforce, and collaboration is key to creating more opportunities. It is also extremely important that we play our part in helping people rebuild their lives after prison, supporting individuals to move forward positively while creating lasting benefits for both society and our industry.”
