National awards recognise business’s commitment to employing ex-offenders

Novus partner Keltbray has been shortlisted as a finalist for the ERSA Employability Awards 2018.

Novus nominated Keltbray for the Large Employer of the Year Award, for their unwavering commitment to employing ex-offenders.

Now in its sixth year, the ERSA Employability Awards celebrate best practice across the employment support sector and seek to demonstrate the day-to-day hard work and dedication of those working to improve the lives of jobseekers, communities and the wider workforce.

Keltbray is hugely supportive of the employment of ex-offenders and the Novus team in London work closely with the organisation to find the right employment opportunities for ex-offenders on release.

Chris Horton, Novus Operations Director, said: “We are delighted that Keltbray has been recognised for the work they do in supporting ex-offenders into work. We know that having a stable job is a critical part of an offender’s journey back into society. Employment provides an offender with a sense of purpose and direction, and has a direct effect on reducing reoffending.

“Keltbray’s unwavering commitment to employing ex-offenders puts them on a path to a crime-free future, helping them transform their lives.”

Claire Coombs, Development and Community Engagement Manager, Keltbray, said: “We’re humbled and delighted beyond words to have been nominated for our work in helping disadvantaged ex-offenders into employment. We’ve seen the people we’ve worked with go on to do truly great things, demonstrating that there are no limits to what can be achieved with resolve, ambition, and the support of a dedicated team. The community employment team work incredibly hard to provide great opportunities for ex-offenders in London, so it’s a real joy to see that passion be recognised.”

ERSA received nearly 150 entries across ten categories demonstrating the breadth of work involved in supporting people into employment. The award entries were judged by Ashwin Kumar, Chief Economist at Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Tabitha Jay, Director of the Work and Health Unit, Gill Holmes, Senior DWP official and last year's winner of the Adviser of the Year award, Adrian Bailey of Prisoners Abroad.

Kirsty McHugh, Chief Executive, ERSA, said: “This year’s award submissions demonstrate the extraordinary achievements of individuals and organisations across the sector. The huge number of nominations ERSA received highlights the passion and commitment to supporting employability and transforming lives, communities and businesses. The awards celebrate and champion the best of the work that goes on at the frontline every day in the sector and I look forward to celebrating these achievements at the special ceremony on 14 June.”

Representatives from Keltbray and Novus will attend a special ceremony on 14 June with the Minister for Employment, Alok Sharma MP.