The Manufacturers’ Alliance recently hosted an Inclusive Leadership Event in partnership with the LTE Group at Thorn Cross Prison, a Category D facility, bringing together purpose-driven leaders to explore the benefits of hiring prison leavers. The event aimed to challenge perceptions and highlight the impact that inclusive leadership can have on individuals, businesses, and society.
Attendees were given a tour of the prison to see first-hand the education and work environments available to those serving sentences. The day also included a fireside conversation with two current prisoners, who shared their experiences and how access to learning, development, and work opportunities is shaping their future. These discussions provided valuable insight into the transformative role that education and employment can play in opening up new opportunities.
The LTE Group helped attendees explore the different ways employers can get involved. Some businesses may simply share a role with a prison, while others might support work environments or work with prisons to shape education and training programs aligned with industry needs. The event emphasised that every level of engagement is valuable, and that there isn’t a “one size fits all” approach.
Key Takeaways from the Event:
- Secure employment can help reduce reoffending by providing structure and stability.
- Education, training, and development open doors to new opportunities.
- Prison leavers often bring loyalty, commitment, and real value to organisations.
- Inclusive leadership helps challenge assumptions and recognise potential beyond past circumstances.
- The transformative impact of education, training, and development in opening up opportunities.
The energy in the room throughout the day was brilliant. Bringing together so many inclusive, purpose-driven leaders sparked lively discussions, thoughtful questions, and honest reflections, all of which brought the conversations to life. The event demonstrated not only the value of inclusive leadership in business but also the real difference it can make in people’s lives when opportunities are created, skills are developed, and perceptions are challenged.
Iain Cropper, Managing Director of Endress+Hauser said “What a thought provoking visit to Thorn Cross prison. I expected it to be visiting a rather sad place, but as the day went on it became clear that this is really a place of hope where men are looking forward instead of backwards. Having come to terms with their past they are now trying to navigate their future path back into society. People are now looking to be given a chance and for someone to believe in them. Can we offer future employment or apprenticeships? I do hope so, but this looks like a long term project to win hearts and minds. Very impressed and inspired by prisoners that we met, but also a mention for the officers and staff who are clearly invested in finding the right outcomes.”
Are you an inclusive leader interested in exploring how your organisation could support prison leavers through employment?
Learn more about the initiatives Novus is leading to support prison leavers with training and education, how employer partnership works and how you can support or take the first steps to hiring prison leavers at Novus: Leading Prison Education | Foundations For Change
