ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Facilities services provider Sodexo UK & Ireland is introducing guaranteed job interviews for people with criminal convictions as part of its Starting Fresh programme.

Applicants with a disclosed criminal conviction who meet the job criteria and pass the required screening will now be guaranteed an interview, giving them an opportunity to re-enter the workforce and rebuild their lives.

Several Sodexo sites have already hired individuals into a variety of roles across its food services and facilities management business. The organisation's Frontline Talent Acquisition team is working closely with hiring managers to ensure the process is adapted to the unique needs and safeguarding requirements of each site.

Sodexo's Starting Fresh programme was created to support more employers in proactively recruiting trained and qualified prison-leavers.

In the last year, its prison employment leads have placed more than 700 prison-leavers into sustainable employment in industries such as retail, hospitality and construction.

During the year to date, Sodexo has employed 96 people with disclosed criminal convictions, with a third of these hires coming through the Starting Fresh programme - meaning Sodexo has employed them directly through one of the prisons it operates within six weeks of release.

Sodexo is keen to be clear though that it is a ‘Ban the Box' employer - only requiring disclosure where vetting is necessary for the role - and, as such, will never know the full true number of people with criminal convictions recruited into the business.

Tony Simpson, justice chief operating officer, Sodexo UK & Ireland said: "Sodexo currently operates six prisons and we see first-hand the transformative power of meaningful employment for individuals with criminal convictions. Gainful employment not only reduces reoffending but also delivers immense value to businesses and the communities they serve.

"We are determined to help improve outcomes for people leaving prison by creating opportunities that allow them to rebuild their lives. Initiatives like Starting Fresh demonstrate our commitment to driving change and making a real difference where it matters most."