Case studies

  • Background

    Leeds Ahead worked with organisations involved in the rehabilitation of offenders to develop a ‘pilot project' with Leeds business. The pilot, called ‘Out of Armley', involved putting together a menu of options through which business could support ex-offenders. This resulted in signing an "Employers' Pledge" . To launch the pledge, a Jobs and Training Fair was held at Armley prison on 12th March 2008.

    Who did what?

    Leeds Ahead organised an ‘Employment and Training Fair' on 12th March 2008. HMP, Manchester College and Job Centre Plus helped with entry clearance to the prison for all the employers and training providers. They also made the necessary internal arrangements in order to allow inmates to to attend the fair.

    The outcome

    31 Employers and Training Providers attended with stands in the prison. The entire prison population of Armley Jail was given the opportunity to attend. On the day, 112 inmates attended entirely voluntarily. They were able to meet and talk to employers and training providers about their individual circumstances and aspirations.

    Direct benefit

    Within one month of the event five offenders had left prison and taken up employment as a direct result of the jobs fair.

    The fair enabled prisoners who were shortly to be released to meet the people who can help, such as employers that are prepared to accept job applications, and training providers.

    Next stage

    The day was such a success that HMP have asked for two further events per year. Leeds Ahead will continue its role of engaging with business and persuading them of the benefits of supporting the Employers Pledge.

    Employers who already support the Pledge are happy to discuss the 'business case" for involvement with other businesses. This can be arranged through Leeds Ahead.

    Parties involved

    Leeds Ahead, HMP, Job Centre Plus, Best Ltd, WYCCP, DISC, A4E, Business Link, Cathedral Centre Bradford, Barca Leeds, Leeds City Council Jobs & Skills (LIEP), Staff Smart UK, Leeds Libraries, The Prince's Trust, Leeds City Credit Union, Turning Point Wakefield, Places for People Neighbourhoods, SRC Training, Heads Together Media, Baker Harding, Timpsons, Construction Leeds, Pegasus Recruitment, Hewlett Civil Engineering, Leeds City Council and Remploy.

    Quotes from businesses

    I never knew this stuff went on in prison. I'm grateful to be involved'

    I'd be delighted to come back again'

    It's been an interesting day, very useful to me and my company'

    Approx 112 prisoners attended throughout the day and their comments included:

    'I've been in and out of prison for 20 years and I've never seen anything like this'

    ' There's a lot of things here I'm really interested in, I've got no excuses now'

    'There are people here willing to give me a chance'

    Click on the link below to hear interviews from the day:

    http://www.elfm.co.uk/2008/04/out-of-armley/

    Out Of Armley
    Employers pledge to support ex-offenders Read More
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