Justice Secretary Chris Grayling witnessed the signing of an agreement between contractor Mitie and Mosaic, The Prince of Wales’ mentoring charity, in a new partnership to support ex-offenders.
The FM contractor says that the partnership will provide ex-offenders with transferable skills, experience and mentorship, through workshops and training that ultimately lead to a work placement within Mitie.
The workshops, at HM Prison Isis, will cover activities that help people to improve skills and abilities in networking, presentation and communication and to build up the participants’ confidence levels.
It’s overseen by the Mitie Foundation, Mitie’s charitable arm. It builds on the foundation’s Ready2Work scheme, eight week on-the-job work experience that involves working with the contractor or its clients and partners, and has succeeded in getting more than 70 per cent of candidates into employment.
Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE, Chief Executive of Mitie and trustee of the Mitie Foundation said: “The Mitie Foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to join the world of work, by raising aspirations and unlocking people’s true potential.
“We are delighted to be able to support Mosaic’s efforts to help those who wish to turn their back on previous criminal activity to get back in to the workplace and make a positive contribution to society.”
Jonathan Freeman, Managing Director of Mosaic said: “The reoffending rate for short-term prisoners stands at around 60 per cent yet the likelihood of re-offending can be cut by up to 50pc if an offender leaves prison with secured accommodation and employment Providing mentoring support to ex-offenders can provide a significant contribution to stemming the rising disproportionate number of Muslims in the prison system. I wish everyone involved much success.”
