‘The margins of society’ is an interesting phrase. It’s one that’s often applied to the prison population. In reality all it sometimes takes to move a person from the mainstream to the margins is a couple of bad decisions.
Finding your way when you’ve finished your sentence isn’t always easy. For most people the single most important factor in rebuilding your life is stable employment. That’s why Octavius is proud to work with the prison service to support pathways to employment for ex-offenders.
Employment offers earning power, independence, routine and social contact. It also gives people a sense of purpose. This is why employment is so critical in reducing re-offending rates.
Octavius supports the Future Skills programme, working with Business2Business (a specialist skills and employment support company) within HMP Norwich, Bedford and The Mount in Hertfordshire.
HMP Norwich Job Fair
An example of our contribution was a recent job fair at HMP Norwich supported by three volunteers, Nicola Weymouth (Social value and sustainability advisor), Nicol High (Social value and stakeholder advisor), and Alan Betteridge, (Talent Partner). Through one-to-one sessions with category C and D prisoners preparing for release the Octavius team explored their previous work experience and qualifications
Most had previous onsite experience and certificates and wanted to get back into construction or infrastructure. As well as a discussion about their aspirations and geographical areas where they wanted to work, participants were given insights into employment opportunities within Octavius. They were also given a printout of our website and a QR Code for future use so they could look up any available jobs in that area.
A Valuable Experience
The session was valued by the prisoners and will hopefully lead to many of them rebuilding their lives following their sentences.
“By attending several Jobs Fairs and Engagement Events at HMP Norwich and HMP The Mount, Octavius is truly removing barriers for prisoners by promoting employability skills and guiding prisoners to find employment and reach financial freedom.”
Rakesh Kachhela, Head of Employer Engagement and Emerging Markets, Business 2 Business (UK) Ltd
For more information contact Octavius on hello@octavius.co.uk
