On 17th July, Cirencester College hosted a pivotal event under the Gloucester Business Shows 25 banner, bringing together educators, employers, and justice sector professionals to address two pressing challenges: bridging regional skills gaps and supporting the reintegration of ex-offenders into the workforce.
The event created a vibrant space for collaboration, insight-sharing, and action planning.
🎙️Key Themes from the Day
- Chairing the Skills Gap Conversation
The session was chaired by Mark Hodge, with expert contributions from:
- Lindsay Maartens, CSR Manager at Stepnell Construction
- Andy James, Chair of the Employment Advisory Board at HMP Eastwood Park
- Esther Champion, Founder and Principal Training Officer at Myrtos
Together, the panel led a dynamic discussion on:
- Acute shortages in digital, construction, and green energy sectors.
- The need for flexible, employer-informed training pathways.
- Opportunities for colleges and training providers to co-design curricula with industry.
The session emphasised the importance of local leadership and cross-sector collaboration in addressing these gaps and preparing learners for future-ready roles.
- Unlocking Potential: Ex-Offenders and Employment
A powerful session explored the barriers and opportunities in supporting ex-offenders into work including the work undertaken by each of the panellists in setting up an employment pathway in the SW.
📊 Key Statistics Shared:
- Just 19.3% of ex-offenders are in employment six weeks after release.
- This increases to 31.1% after six months, but stark gender disparities persist: 49.3% of men vs 17% of women.
- Around 50% of employers remain hesitant to hire individuals with a criminal record.
- Yet, employment reduces the likelihood of reoffending by up to 33%, making it a critical factor in rehabilitation.
panellists called for more inclusive recruitment practices, such as Ban the Box in favour of HMPPS risk assessments, and greater employer engagement with reintegration programmes.
💡 Outcomes and Next Steps
- Panellists will explore the potential for prison leavers from HMP Eastwood Park to join Stepnell’s employment pathway.
- YCG Foundation will explore potential funding to support training partner delivery of its world-class critical thinking and personal development programme, Chrysalis for residents at HMP Eastwood Park.
- Follow-up GBS25 events are scheduled throughout 2025, focusing on employer engagement and inclusive hiring which will be chaired by YCG.
If you’d like to contribute to support ex-offender employment initiatives or be part of future panel discussions, please contact Hello@yourconsultationgroup.com
Together, We can build a more inclusive, skilled and resilient workforce for your regeion.
Mark Hodge
Group Chair