13/05/2025
Chris English
By Chris English
For professionals working with individuals who have a criminal record, employment is often a key focus. A stable job can bring structure, routine and the opportunity to rebuild self-worth. It helps people move away from offending and toward a future that feels both purposeful and achievable however securing that first step into work is rarely simple..
Many people leaving custody or serving community sentences face significant challenges. Some have never worked whilst others have been out of employment for many years. Unfortunately they may have limited qualifications or skills that are no longer relevant to society. For example if someone has been in prison for 10 years they may consider themselves to be “IT Savvy” however the world has changed so drastically in those 10 years they spent inside that the skills they have are nowhere near where they need to be to land an IT based role.
Many offenders deal with issues such as poor mental health, substance misuse, or insecure housing, all of which are barriers to employment. Let’s say you are an ex-offender who has just left the prison system after 3 years inside, you want a job but are worried about past associates contacting you or don’t have a stable place to sleep, filling in that 12 page application form is going to be a lot more difficult, right?
The presence of having a criminal record itself adds another layer of difficulty, professionals regularly report that even highly motivated individuals are turned away from opportunities after disclosing their past. Take an example of a man being supported through a probation-led employment scheme, he has completed training, demonstrated commitment and performed well at interview but is then rejected once his conviction is disclosed, how would that make you feel? Based on merit you’d think he would at least be considered for the job but because of his past he is dismissed.
That is where professional support plays a vital role, as practitioners we are often in a position to help individuals navigate these challenges. This includes supporting people to build realistic career goals, improve interview techniques and understand how and when to disclose convictions appropriately. This could be framing the individuals conviction as a catalyst for change and that maybe without the conviction they wouldn’t be the person they are today. Supporting ex-offenders to own and analyse their experiences may even make them stand out from the crowd in a pool of candidates!
Digital tools can also be used to supplement face-to-face support. The Intervention Hub, for instance, includes an Employability Hub developed specifically for people with convictions. It provides structured, user-friendly modules that cover core topics such as CV writing, interview preparation and workplace expectations. These kind of resource s can be especially valuable for practitioners managing high caseloads or working in settings where time is limited, as it enables people to progress independently.
Something to remember as a professional working with offenders is that employment should not be treated as a quick fix, it should be introduced at the right time and in the right way. For example if someone is struggling with severe substance misuse issues or has been homeless for an extended period of time they are likely in crisis and adding the pressure of finding a job may be detrimental to their wellbeing. Some people may benefit from peer mentoring or volunteering to ease them into an environment similar to paid employment before making that big step to a full time job.
Ultimately, employment can be a powerful turning point but only when people feel ready, supported and understood. As professionals our job is to walk alongside our service users and offer not only practical tools but a belief in their ability to succeed