Ex-Offender Employment: Second Chance for Steven Pays Off

Exciting news: an employer recruitment event hosted by Novus at HMP Northumberland saw Hatton Traffic Management recruit their first ex-offender!

Data shows that employment proves to cut reoffending and provides prison leavers with the foundations to live more fulfilling, stable lives. Novus works to provide prisoners with opportunities to develop their skills and seek employment upon release.

Since joining Hatton, Steven has been fully supported with his training and development by the company. He has now been in a full-time role as a Traffic Management Operative for over 18 months and is looking forward to a positive future.

This blog will be discussing the powerful impact of employment on reducing recidivism, focusing on the inspiring story of Steven, an ex-offender who found a stable job through Novus.

Steven's story

Hatton Traffic Management is one of the UK’s leading traffic management companies, based in Newcastle upon Tyne and operating nationally. Charlotte Taylor, Novus Works Employer Account Manager for the region, has been working with Hatton Traffic Management since early 2019 to provide job opportunities and training for ex-offenders.

Following a successful event at HMP Northumberland in 2019, Hatton successfully recruited their first ex-offender. Since joining the company, Steven has been fully supported with his training and development by the company. He now works full time as a Traffic Management Operative. He said:

“Like everyone who starts a new job, I was a bit nervous, but as time went on it’s been good. I went through the initial training, and I’ve worked with the other lads to learn the job. The more work you do, the more training you get.

I would like to progress as much as I can in this job, potentially in the future, energy renewal and offshore work is also something I’m interested in.

How employment prevents recidivism

When individuals who have been incarcerated find stable employment, they’re less likely to return to criminal activity. A job provides a sense of purpose, financial stability, and social connection - all of which can help individuals stay on the right path.

Employment can provide access to resources and support that can help individuals address underlying issues that may have contributed to their criminal behaviour. Not only that, but 86% of those who’ve employed ex-offenders  rate them as good at their jobs – so it’s a win-win situation!

“Having a job upon leaving prison has helped loads; it’s helped to keep me out of trouble and the structure is good. My advice is to work hard and keep your head down - it’s not worth going back to prison.” - Steven

Managing success at Hatton Traffic Management

Darren Ryan is regional manager at Hatton Traffic Management and has been working with Steven since he joined the company; he said:

“Steven made a really good impression from his first interview. He found his feet early on and once he got to know the lads he was working with, he turned out to be a very good worker. He’s a very quick learner - he asks a lot of questions.”

“Working with Charlotte and Novus has been great. There’s a little bit more involvement and the recruitment process is more extensive compared to finding trainees via our usual routes, but that additional time spent has been valuable, as we’ve been able to give someone the opportunity for a second chance, and it’s good for the company too.”

“I would definitely recommend that other companies use Novus and consider ex-offenders as viable recruitment candidates.”

How Hatton Traffic Management is further supporting ex-offenders

The partnership is now set to grow with the roll out of the tailored recruitment process in London where the local Novus Works team are now supporting Hatton to recruit trainees to work on the HS2 contract.

Steven's journey perfectly exemplifies the transformative impact of prison education and employability on individuals after release.

Hatton Traffic Management's commitment to providing second chances not only benefits individuals seeking a second chance, but also contributes positively to the company's workforce and the broader community.

Employer partnerships with Novus open doors to new possibilities, proving that investing in ex-offenders is not just socially responsible, but a strategic recruitment method, too.

“Having a job on leaving prison has helped loads, it’s helped to keep me out of trouble and the structure is good. My advice is definitely work hard and keep your head down, it’s not worth going back to prison.” -Steven, former Novus learner

How Novus secures jobs for ex-offenders

We offer vocational and academic courses within prisons to equip individuals with the skills and qualifications needed for success. We then collaborate with local businesses to create meaningful job opportunities that align with ex-offenders' skills and interests.

Through careful candidate selection and employer engagement, we work to match ex-offenders with suitable roles  and highlight the benefits of hiring them, such as their reliability, work ethic, and gratitude for the opportunity.

If you're interested in working with Novus to hire ex-offenders, boost your company's reputation, offer crucial employment opportunities, and contribute to your local community, please contact us today.