Unlocking potential: Kieran’s journey to a fresh start

Sodexo has launched Starting Fresh to not only advocate for recruiting ex-offenders, but to provide practical guidance for organisations on how to do so proactively. Kieran’s transformative story shows how the training and support he received in prison paved the way for a new career and a fresh start after his release. 

Kieran entered HMP Peterborough on a recall notice for breaching probation conditions, having been in and out of prison several times and lacking direction in his life. 

During his sentence, Kieran began working in the prison bike workshop where he gained not only his Velotech bike maintenance qualification, but also supported fellow prisoners in the same course. 

Showing interest in the employment hub at HMP Peterborough, he sought support to change his future and avoid further prison recalls. Though early in relation to his release date, the Prison Employment team helped him complete his CSCS course (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) and set up a bank account, enabling him to move towards being job-ready. 

In a meeting with Amanda Chapman, Prison Employment Lead (PEL) at HMP Peterborough, Kieran expressed interest in welding opportunities, leveraging his existing qualifications and experience as a welder. 

Attending an employment event at the prison, he caught the attention of representatives from local company, Mick George. Amanda, mindful of Kieran's welding qualifications and the skills gaps at Mick George, facilitated a discussion with Michael Moriarty, HR Director, sparking a potential rehabilitative career.  

Amanda arranged a follow-up interview for Kieran with Michael, resulting in a job offer being made on the spot. 

Despite the positivity of the offer, some challenges needed to be overcome before Kieran could secure the role.  

One of the most significant challenges Amanda faced in supporting Kieran was that his initial release location was in Essex, whereas the opportunity with Mick George was in Huntingdon, some 75 miles away. Additionally, Kieran had personal ties to the local area, expressing a strong desire to remain closer to Peterborough. 

Amanda reached out to Kieran’s community probation officer to discuss the Mick George opportunity and explore alternative options for his release, including accommodation, to enable him to secure the role.  

The ‘Housing Pathway’ was identified as the most appropriate option for the best outcome for Kieran. The community probation officer made a referral to Peterborough City Council via ‘duty to refer’ as Kieran was at risk of homelessness. She also made referrals to CRS (Community Rehabilitative Services), which attempt to source housing opportunities, and a CAS3 (Community Accommodation Services) referral, providing 84 nights of accommodation to enable a probation officer to seek longer-term solutions. 

Due to the time this process takes, Kieran experienced anxiety about his future and was concerned that he might lose the opportunity with Mick George. Amanda worked closely with Rob Horton, Senior Prison Custody Officer, to support Kieran through these difficult times, providing reassurance and explaining the process to ensure he was aware of what was happening. 

Amanda and Rob also liaised with Sam Holden, Prison Probation, who monitored the referral process, providing updates as and when available, which could then be given to Kieran. 

A CAS3 space was allocated to Kieran within Peterborough the day before his release, understandably increasing his concerns and anxiety. However, upon receiving the news that his referral had been successful, Kieran was over the moon and could once again see a bright future ahead of him. 

With the confirmation of housing, Sam put Amanda in contact with the Peterborough community probation officer to update them on Kieran’s progress regarding his role at Mick George. Amanda then contacted Michael to confirm that Kieran was able to continue with his employment on the day of his release.  

Amanda and Sam were then in a position to meet with Kieran to give him the great news that not only did he have the accommodation he needed, but he would also be starting with Mick George just days after leaving prison. 

The three of them discussed how he would get to work, printed off maps, worked out rail travel timetables, and Kieran even purchased the bike that he had re-built in the workshop to help him get around. Amanda also reminded Kieran to take a ‘pack-up’ lunch – something that became a running joke between them.  

Following release, Kieran successfully settled into the CAS3 accommodation and began his new career at Mick George. Since starting, he has been awarded two pay rises, completed his forklift training, and his managers have noted that his skills and work ethic are second to none.  

In his personal life, things are going great as well. Mick George has become the official sponsor of Kieran’s banger racing hobby, and, best of all, Kieran and his partner have become engaged to be married. 

Whether you want to visit a prison to see the skills training in action, organise an employer day to recruit a number of people, or just have questions - you can find out more about Starting Fresh here.