Opportunities for prison leavers with Energy & Resources
Sodexo launched Starting Fresh to not only advocate for recruiting ex-offenders, but to provide practical guidance for organisations on how to do so proactively. Liam’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.
While serving a sentence at HMP Addiewell, Liam sought to change his future, using his time to complete catering and cleaning qualifications and engage with the prison’s employability team.
Path to employment
Attending a Starting Fresh employability event at the prison, his keen interest was recognised by Sodexo’s Energy & Resources business.
The Energy & Resources team has been working with the prison for some time, delivering insight sessions to prisoners, of which Liam has been a part of. They fully believe in giving individuals a second chance and, approaching his liberation date, Liam was determined to secure a pathway into employment and lead a positive future.
Job opportunity
Mindful of Liam’s qualifications and positive attitude, Jade Devaney, Employability Instructor, facilitated an interview for Liam with Mark Pool, Regional Manager Scotland, Energy & Resources – resulting in a job offer.
“I first met Liam at a Starting Fresh recruitment fair I attended at Addiewell back in April. He was first in the queue to visit the Sodexo Energy & Resources table to speak with myself and Gillian Forte, our Human Resources Business Partner. His energy, honesty and openness immediately struck me, and we had an engaging conversation around his time inside the prison and, crucially his aspirations on release.
“Fast forward eight weeks, numerous meetings with stakeholders, interviews and onboarding, we have welcomed Liam into the team at Energy & Resources. Liam will start his training as a general assistant in one of our facilities on a three-week rotation. I am delighted that we are able to support Liam on his starting fresh journey and I am looking forward to a continued partnership with the Starting Fresh team.”
“I first met Liam many years ago while working as a residential officer on the wing. After returning to prison for a short period of time Liam immediately began engaging with myself regarding employment after release. He attended our recruitment event in partnership with the Sodexo Starting Fresh programme and made a fantastic first impression at the Energy & Resources table. After building Liam’s CV and discussing his goals and hopes for his future after release, we reached out to the Energy & Resources team who accepted Liam’s CV and after a job interview, he was offered a position.
“It has been an absolute pleasure helping Liam to reach this positive destination in his life and I couldn’t be prouder. The determination that Liam has shown is something that he should be proud of, and I wish him all the best on the next part of his journey with Sodexo.”
“HMP Addiewell, thanks for everything – I couldn't have done it without you. You can get out to a fresh start if you want it – you can achieve it, thanks to you.”
Sodexo’s Starting Fresh programme aims to support employers overcome skills shortages by creating real employment opportunities for prison leavers. If you would like to make a difference.