6 . Glasgow Business November/December 2012
» A Chamber-backed advisory group launches recommendations in a new booklet aimed at helping ex-offenders find and secure stable employment
A fresh start is just the job A
Chamber-backed advisory group has launched a recommendation
booklet designed to help increase the prospects of ex-offenders to find and keep employment. Te Glasgow Employers’
Advisory Group on Ex-offenders, introduced in partnership with Glasgow Chamber, Glasgow City Council and the Glasgow Community Justice Authority, presented its findings to an influential audience drawn from key public, private and voluntary sectors at the GHA Training Academy in September. A central remit of the group,
encompassing Chamber members, employer groups, public sector agencies and charities in the city, was to identify key issues and challenges from the perspective of employers in recruiting ex-offenders. From this, the group produced
13 recommendations in September to improve the chances of ex-offenders finding and securing stable employment. Glasgow Chamber of
Commerce Chief Executive Stuart Patrick, who addressed the audience at the launch, said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to commend the members of the Glasgow Employers’ Advisory Group on Ex-offenders. “It has worked diligently during
the last six months to introduce these recommendations to ensure
Kenny MacAskill
“This is a fantastic initiative led by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce”
Chamber members with staff at a visit to Barlinnie Prison in 2011
ex-offenders get a decent chance to rebuild their lives. Finding stable, suitable employment is an ideal way to start this process.” Te origins of the advisory
group, established in March, dates back to a Chamber ‘Behind the Scenes’ event held inside the city-based prison last year.
(From left) Tom Jackson, Glasgow Community Justice Authority; Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce; and Hugh McAloon, Deputy Director Employability and Skills, Scottish Government
Following the visit, several
members expressed an interest in returning to the prison to volunteer their time and skills, while working with prison staff to introduce ways to support offender and ex-offender employability. Te work of the group was
recognised by Scotish Labour MSP Drew Smith, who tabled a motion in the Scotish Parliament praising their efforts. Te motion received cross-party support. In recent months the advisory
group consulted with a wide range of partners and stakeholders from the justice, employability and charity sectors, including Scotish Prison Service, the City Council’s Social Work Services and the Glasgow Community Justice Authority. September’s launch was
presented by Tom Jackson, Chief Officer of the Glasgow Community Justice Authority, while Chamber Chief Executive Stuart Patrick addressed those atending. Hugh McAloon, Deputy
Director for Employability and Skills at the Scotish Government, delivered the keynote address. Group member Fiona Mackay,
of Chamber member Kinetic Ltd, said: “Rarely does private business get a direct chance to make a real difference to a big public service.” Justice Minister Kenny
MacAskill said: “Tis is a fantastic initiative led by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, working together with local employers, the City Council and local justice authorities.”
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