Fair Chance Business Alliance

The new Procurement Act comes into force today and offers a significant opportunity to promote fair chance hiring by: • 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀: By prioritising "most advantageous tender" and considering social value, public bodies can favour businesses that actively employ individuals with criminal records, those facing long-term unemployment, or other marginalised groups. • 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀: SMEs, now with easier access to government contracts, are often more flexible and willing to take on individuals with diverse backgrounds, providing crucial fair chances. • B𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴: By supporting local businesses with fair chance hiring practices, the Act can contribute to community revitalisation and reduce the likelihood of re-offending, as stable employment is a key factor. • 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: The focus on social value allows for the inclusion of fair chance hiring as a measurable metric, incentivising businesses to adopt inclusive employment practices. • 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲, 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: Government contracts provide stability, which allows business owners who practice fair chance hiring to offer their employees reliable long-term employment. • 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿, 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: Many smaller businesses are more likely to have a closer relationship with the community, and therefore more likely to hire people from within that community, including those who are too often furthest from the workforce. To find out more about Fair Chance Employment, register for our upcoming Symposium. Register to reserve your place > https://lnkd.in/eJFe_WwV Keith Jones Sally Hopper mark whelan Rachel Evans FCIPD Patrick Burge Anne Fox Kate Carr Neil Wood #InclusiveRecruitment #FairChance

We're delighted to announce our keynote speaker for the 6th March Employer Symposium at KPMG’s Canary Wharf, 3-5pm as 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗢𝗕𝗘, 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. With additional contributors on the day also now including:   • Nicholas Fox, MCMI ChMC, KPMG • Lisa Jackson, Going Forward Into Employment, UK Civil Service • Hoa Ngo, Comensura   Register to reserve your place > https://lnkd.in/eJFe_WwV Tony Hyland MBE Anne Fox Anne Pavey Keith Jones Rachel Evans FCIPD Kat Barrett fCMgr Patrick Burge Kate Carr Neil Wood Sally Hopper mark whelan Chris Leech MBE, Peter Ellse Lyndsey Gallagher FCIOB Amelle Mestari David Carr Caron French Carolyn Bundey MICHAEL CORRIGAN Will Evans Dr. Tej Samani Paula Harriott Suzanne Matheson Abigail Stone Cynthia Dugan Scott Knowles Lucy Robinson Thea Tomison Victoria Whitehouse Matthias Stausberg Ola Kolade Lena Patel Andrew Kinniburgh Simon Blockley #FairChance #InclusiveRecruitment #SocialValue #DiversityAndInclusion #Leadership

The best way to spend the hump of my hump day? Talking Fair Chance employment with an incredible group of people! At 12pm today, I had the absolute pleasure of joining a powerful conversation about Fair Chance hiring, co-hosted with the ever-supportive Tony Hyland MBE from Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)—who even took time out of his holiday to be there! What did we hear? 🔹 M. Hassan Ali from Schroders shared his remarkable journey from prison to investment management, showing how businesses lose out when they judge a person’s past rather than their potential. His story was a masterclass in resilience and untapped talent. 🔹 Nicki Wynne Leonard from Jollyes-The Pet People made it clear that Fair Chance hiring isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business move. For Jollyes, the question wasn’t why do this but why wouldn’t we? (Also, shoutout to CEO Joe’s Monthly Pupdate—someone please add me to that mailing list! 🐶) 🔹 Victoria Whitehouse from Virgin delivered the powerful message that "purpose and profit go hand in hand." She set out how Virgin is using the Fair Chance Charter to shape a clear, actionable roadmap for driving real impact across their businesses. 🔹 Hoa Ngo from Impellam Group showed us what leadership looks like—embedding Fair Chance hiring into their own recruitment while guiding clients to do the same. The results? Better retention, stronger engagement, and winning more tenders. One key takeaway? Fair Chance hiring isn’t a risk—it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to build diverse, resilient teams and strengthen communities. Missed the webinar? No worries! Join us at the Fair Chance Business Alliance Employer Symposium at KPMG on 6 March for deeper insights, practical guidance, and the chance to be part of this game-changing movement. You can book your place here: https://lnkd.in/epbXRYVe Save the date & get involved! #FairChanceHiring #InclusiveEmployment #TalentUnlocked #BusinessForGood #DiversityAndInclusion #HiringMatters

🚨 Reminder: Our must-attend webinar for HR Leaders & Business Innovators is THIS Wednesday! 🚨 Join us on Wednesday, 12-1pm for Unlock the Power of Fair Chance Employment – an essential session designed to equip you with actionable insights on: ✅ What Fair Chance Employment is & why it matters ✅ The tangible benefits of embracing Fair Chance Employment ✅ How to align with the Fair Chance Employment Charter ✅ Practical strategies for an inclusive & equitable workplace ✅ Real-world case studies from pioneering employers 🎤 Hear from industry leaders & experts: 🔹 Tony Hyland MBE (Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)) 🔹 Victoria Whitehouse (Virgin) 🔹 Nicki Wynne Leonard (Jollyes-The Pet People) 🔹 Kate Carr (Fair Chance Business Alliance) 🔹 Hoa Ngo (Impellam Group) 🔹 M. Hassan Ali (Lived Experience) 📌 Who should attend? HR Directors, Chief People Officers, Talent Leaders, ESG/CSR Professionals, Business Owners, Policymakers, and anyone passionate about fairer hiring. 💡 Don’t miss out on this opportunity to drive real change! 🔗 Register now: https://lnkd.in/euGhk7Ev #FairChanceHiring #HR #DiversityAndInclusion #BusinessGrowth #Webinar

Just one month to go until our Fair Chance Employer Symposium! On Thursday, 6th March 2025, we're bringing together business leaders, government representatives, and experts to explore how Fair Chance hiring can drive business success, social mobility, and social value. Join us KPMG from 3pm-5pm (networking from 4.30pm) for: • The Government Perspective – Hear from Tony Hyland MBE Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on how fair chance hiring aligns with the Government's mission to Get Britain Working. • Business Insights – Learn from business leaders including Matthias Stausberg, Virgin, Annelise Smith, Lorien, Cynthia Dugan, WTW and Chris Leech MBE, Rebuilding Futures Alliance about the benefits for your bottom line. • Social Value Impact – Discover how to leverage Fair Chance hiring under the new Procurement Act with Guy Battle, Social Value Portal. This isn’t just a discussion – it’s a movement. Aimed at all HR leaders, EDI and CSR professionals, this symposium will provide practical strategies, expert guidance, and powerful networking opportunities. Spaces are limited – register now to secure your spot! https://lnkd.in/deAQbBgd Let’s make inclusive hiring the norm, not the exception. See you there! Anne Fox, Patrick Burge, mark whelan, Keith Jones, Kate Carr, Sally Hopper Rachel Evans FCIPD, Thea Tomison, Francesca Hall, Shiraz Kootar, Caron French, Lyndsey Gallagher FCIOB, Scott Knowles, Victoria Whitehouse, Carolyn Bundey, Kat Barrett fCMgr, Abigail Stone, Amelle Mestari, David Carr, Will Evans, MICHAEL CORRIGAN, Dr. Tej Samani, Suzanne Matheson, Cosy Direct, Lena Patel, Simon Blockley, Becky Robb #FairChanceHiring #SocialMobility #DiversityAndInclusion #HR #Leadership #SocialValue

Great to see one of our Founding Signatories, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire) spreading the word on the business benefits of Fair Chance hiring: https://lnkd.in/eTTp_48a #FairChance

Great to see East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire), one of our Founding Signatories, championing the business benefits of Fair Chance hiring! 🎉 This article highlights the growing need for inclusive hiring practices, and it's fantastic to see businesses recognising the value of opening doors to untapped talent. Fair Chance hiring isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business decision that helps fill vacancies, boost retention, and strengthen communities. A big thank you to those helping spread the word! Read more here: 🔗 #FairChanceHiring #InclusiveWorkforce #BusinessForGood #Hiring

Join us on 12th February for an engaging and impactful discussion on Fair Chance Employment, co-hosted with Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This exclusive webinar is your opportunity to explore how inclusive employment practices can transform your workplace, attract untapped talent, and align with your ESG goals. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱? This session is designed to empower HR & Talent Directors, Business Leaders, Social Value Professionals and Change Makers with actionable insights on: • What Fair Chance Employment is and why it matters. • The tangible benefits of embracing Fair Chance Employment for your organisation and community. • How to align with the Fair Chance Employment Charter to drive real change. • Practical strategies to foster an inclusive and equitable workplace. • Inspiring case studies and best practices from trailblazing employers. 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱? This webinar is tailored for: • HR Directors / Chief People Officers / Talent Leaders  • ESG / CSR Professionals • Business Owners & Decision Makers • Policymakers shaping inclusive employment frameworks • Anyone passionate about building equitable workplaces 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀: · Tony Hyland MBE, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) · Victoria Whitehouse (She/Her/Hers), Virgin · Nicki Wynne Leonard, Jollyes-The Pet People · Kate Carr, Fair Chance Business Alliance · Hassan Ali, Lived Experience 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁! Spaces are limited, so register now to reserve your place at this transformative session: https://lnkd.in/efphS3Mq Neil Wood, Keith Jones, Patrick Burge, Chris Leech MBE, Anne Pavey, mark whelan, Scott Knowles, Lyndsey Gallagher FCIOB, Rachel Evans FCIPD, Sally Hopper, Carolyn Bundey, Suzanne Matheson, Cynthia Dugan, Amelle Mestari, Abigail Stone, Peter Ellse DL MBA, Will Evans, Kat Barrett fCMgr, MICHAEL CORRIGAN, Anne Fox, Dr. Tej Samani

Today’s report in The Guardian on Lord Timpson's ambition to close one women’s prison is a pivotal moment to reflect on how society perceives prisoners and prisons.* A 2024 report from the Sentencing Academy found that the UK public routinely over-estimates the proportion of prisoners serving a sentence for a violent offence, and underestimates the extent of mental health issues.** Such misconceptions ignore the reality of who many prisoners are: disproportionately vulnerable individuals shaped by systemic failures: four-fifths of female prisoners have a history of significant head injury, with sustained domestic abuse being the most likely cause.*** As Lord Timpson points out, prison is absolutely the right option for some female offenders. But for many others, we need to shift our view from one in which prisoners are problems to be contained, to one that recognises they are people in need of support. Further, we need to ensure that closing a prison doesn’t just move harm elsewhere, but instead leads to real investments in community services, mental health care, and rehabilitation? At Fair Chance Business Alliance, we believe the solution lies in compassion, opportunity, and second chances. When businesses, policymakers, and society at large invest in giving people the tools to rebuild their lives, we create safer communities and a more just world. It’s time to rethink what justice means - and to recognise that every person’s potential extends far beyond their worst mistake.

The Prisons Minister has issued a powerful call to action, urging businesses to embrace the untapped talent pool of people with criminal records. Emphasising their inherent potential for reliability, honesty, and dedication, the Minister stressed the importance of judging individuals based on their skills and character, not their past convictions.* This sentiment resonates deeply with the Fair Chance Business Alliance. We firmly believe that employment is a cornerstone of rehabilitation and a pathway to a brighter future for individuals with criminal records. By offering fair opportunities, businesses not only gain access to a diverse and talented workforce but also contribute to a safer, more equitable society, whilst at the same time enabling social mobility and generating social value. Statistics underscore the urgency of this issue: a staggering 9.4 million people in the UK – a quarter of all working-age adults – have a criminal record. This represents a talent pool the size of Greater London, brimming with potential waiting to be unleashed. Leading organisations like Virgin, Toyota Motor Corporation, WTW, and Wincanton have already recognised the immense value of fair chance hiring. They are reaping the rewards of a more inclusive workforce, demonstrating that past mistakes should not define a person's future. Let's challenge the deeply ingrained biases that hold individuals back. Let's recognise the potential in every person, regardless of their past. Join the Fair Chance Business Alliance and together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable workforce where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.