How do we balance justice, safety, and second chances?

One of the most powerful themes in the episode is the role of employment in reducing reoffending. Esther explains that work provides more than just income, it offers purpose, stability, and community.

The Inclusive Hiring Model Toolkit is a comprehensive roadmap designed to help organisations of all sizes, start-ups, SMEs, and large enterprises, create fairer, more equitable recruitment processes. It’s not a one-size-fits-all checklist, but a flexible framework that meets businesses where they are and guides them toward meaningful change.

In a developed world, ten years old is a shocking and sobering age of criminal responsibility.

Today’s workforce, especially younger generations , expects transparency. They don’t want corporate language that glosses over uncomfortable realities, they want to know: does this company really walk its talk? Hiring prison leavers signals courage and says, we believe in rehabilitation, not just diversity tick boxes...

By bringing prison leavers into your team you’re not just adding another viewpoint, you’re adding someone who can think outside the box, who sees risk differently, and who may ask different and challenging questions.