With 62% of UK businesses reporting skills shortages and social value becoming increasingly important for procurement goals and corporate reputation, organisations need strategic solutions that address both challenges simultaneously. The answer may lie in an overlooked talent pool: the 12.6 million people in the UK with criminal records, representing around one in four adults of working age.
Hear more: Listen to whatimpact CEO Tiia Sammallahti in conversation with Jacob Hill, Founder of Offploy, on how inclusive hiring drives social value.
Currently, only 17% of ex-offenders secure employment within a year of release, yet the research consistently shows that employing people with convictions delivers exceptional social value while addressing critical business needs.
Three Ways Ex-Offender Employment Transforms Your Social Value Impact:
1. Creating real opportunities for people and communities
Ex-offender employment directly addresses the ‘Jobs and growth’ themes within social value frameworks. Each hire represents tangible employment outcomes that can be measured and reported against social value commitments.
Many prisons now deliver industry-standard training programmes, meaning employers can access candidates with relevant qualifications and skills. This helps to create a pipeline of work-ready individuals whilst supporting the broader rehabilitation ecosystem through partnerships with training providers and social enterprises.
2. Tackling social inequality through employment
Perhaps the most significant social value impact comes from addressing social inequality. Employment reduces reoffending rates by 9 percentage points, with each successful placement helping break reoffending cycles that cost the UK economy £18 billion annually.
The ripple effects extend far beyond individual employees. Stable employment enables access to housing, credit, and other services while providing financial independence that benefits entire families.
Over two-fifths of employers report that hiring ex-offenders has increased workforce diversity, contributing to more inclusive workplace cultures that benefit all employees.
3. Transforming lives through mental health and wellbeing support
The well-being impacts of hiring people with prior convictions are perhaps the most profound. In our 2024 social impact report, 54% of our total social value came from improved mindset and wellbeing amongst participants, with 86% developing a more positive mindset.
Discover the full impact data in Offploy’s 2024 Social Impact Report
Employment provides structure, purpose, and social connections that are crucial for mental health recovery. This extends to community wellbeing, as reduced reoffending creates safer neighbourhoods whilst visible success stories inspire others facing similar challenges.
Why Smart Businesses Are Already Making The Move
Contrary to common misconceptions, employing people with convictions offers genuine business advantages. This Ministry of Justice polling found that over 90% of businesses employing ex-offenders rated them as reliable, punctual, and trustworthy. Evidence from employers like Marks & Spencer shows ex-offenders demonstrate higher loyalty and retention rates due to their appreciation for opportunities.
Many convictions are for non-violent offences, with around half being driving-related. Leading employers like Timpson, where over 12% of their workforce comprises people with convictions, demonstrate that inclusive hiring can be fully integrated into successful business models.
Turning Good Intentions Into Measurable Results: Our Approach
Recognising that good intentions alone aren’t sufficient to achieve lasting results, we provide comprehensive support to ensure successful outcomes for both employers and employees. Our evidence-based approach includes:
- Pre-employment preparation: Thorough assessment, skills development, and addressing any barriers to employment readiness, we help to prepare individuals for upcoming workplace demands.
- Employer onboarding: Risk assessment support, policy development guidance, and manager training to build confidence in supervising diverse teams whilst maintaining high performance standards.
- Ongoing support: Mentoring programmes, career progression planning, and interventions to address challenges before they impact performance or retention.
If you are an employer looking to learn more about how inclusive hiring can benefit your business, we encourage you to get in touch with us today.
Click here to book a free consultation with Offploy’s industry experts to discuss needs and opportunities.
The competitive advantage you can’t afford to miss
Recent government reforms have reduced disclosure periods for many convictions, whilst 81% of the public support businesses that employ ex-offenders, creating a favourable environment for inclusive hiring practices.
For organisations serious about delivering social value whilst addressing skills shortages, ex-offender employment offers a proven pathway to measurable impact.
The question isn’t whether your organisation can afford to employ people with convictions, it’s whether you can afford not to, in a competitive market where social value is becoming essential for business success.
Ready to explore how inclusive hiring can support your social value targets?
Find out how ready your organisation is for inclusive hiring. Take our quick and free readiness quiz to see where your business stands, uncover potential gaps, and get tailored steps to confidently employ people with criminal convictions.
Get connected with Offploy on whatimpact.com
Download Offploy’s full 2024 Social Impact Report to see the complete evidence base for ex-offender employment’s social value impact.
