Unlocking opportunities: Marriott’s collaboration with Starting Fresh

Sodexo UK and Ireland 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. Linda Hawkins, a Multi Property Director of HR at Marriott shares insights into their collaboration with HMP Bronzefield, the impact of a prison employment day, and a success story involving a prison-leaver.

Linda, who is responsible for several Marriott hotels across London, discovered Sodexo’s Starting Fresh programme during a conference call with fellow senior HR leaders on which New Futures Network presented the Unlocking Hospitality recruitment campaign which references Starting Fresh. 

Intrigued and mindful of the workforce challenges in hospitality, Linda sought to explore the opportunity of employing ex-offenders. New Futures Network partnered her with HMP Bronzefield, as it was located near Marriott locations in London. 

In November 2023, she, accompanied by several HR Managers, attended an open day at HMP Bronzefield. Despite initial apprehension, Linda was impressed with the prison's facilities and enjoyed an excellent lunch prepared by the prisoners. 

While at the prison, Marriott conducted an informal presentation for 12 prisoners regarding the available roles, subsequently engaging in individual discussions with each of them about kitchen vacancies at Marriott. 

Following the visit, Linda said: “Marriott hired a prison-leaver from HMP Bronzefield at one of our London sites and, while it is still early days, they have received commendable feedback from their colleagues for the exceptional cleanliness of the pot wash area.” 

This success story, just one of many, underscores the tangible impact Starting Fresh is having on creating employment opportunities. 

Buoyed up by their initial visit, Linda and the team plan to return in 2024. They aim to bring more hiring managers for informal discussions with prisoners, further exploring employment possibilities within Marriott. 

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.