Logistics giant offers job opportunities to more than 100 prison leavers

Among other corporate partners, MoJ collaborates with parcel courier giant and Logistics UK member DHL, which has offered employment opportunities to serving prisoners and prison leavers since January 2018.

To date, DHL has offered 171 interviews, offered 115 jobs and had 100 jobs accepted by prisoners and prison leavers, making it one of the most prominent organisations in the offender employment space.

Logistics Magazine caught up with three staff members at DHL to discuss how recruiting prison leavers can work for both the employer and the employee.

LOUISE WALTER, REGIONAL OPERATIONS & REHABILITATION MANAGER (pictured above left)

How long has DHL been recruiting prisoners and prison leavers? How did you work with the Ministry of Justice to do this?

There has been activity since DHL took up the retail contract with His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) which sees the pick, pack and shipping operation of the prisoner’s weekly canteen across prison establishments in England. The Key Academy was a DHL initiative set up in 2018 to help assist with the structure and control of the rehabilitation programme and the employment of prison leavers, both via Release on Temporary License (ROTL) and upon release. The Key Academy provides support to serving offenders by offering pre-employment support through our established mock interview programme, and post-employment support assisting with securing job interviews leading to full-time employment within DHL.

What specific qualities do prison leavers bring to the business?

Their desire to be in the role and their work ethic. They are very hardworking and dedicated to the role as they have been given a second chance. They have a range of experiences and skills that are highly transferable to the workplace.

Is there any reputational risk involved in hiring prison leavers?

Due to knowing and understanding the people that we are looking to employ on release from prison, we would in fact know more about them than any agency worker. There are clear steps we put in place to minimise the risk and to ensure sustainability for both the business and the candidate. The people being released are appreciative of the opportunity to work and earn money, giving them the best chance to turn their lives around. By doing this via the Key Academy, we put checks in place with Probation to ensure the location and role meet any licence obligations/limitations.

Does DHL’s participation in the scheme form part of its wider Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda?

The Key Academy was founded as a natural extension of the HMPPS retail contract. Subsequently, the success of the programme feeds into this. By helping disadvantaged individuals gain sustainable employment, we are reducing the risk of reoffending and the cost to the taxpayer.

Would you recommend hiring prison leavers to other logistics businesses?

Yes. Most companies and partners are proud of what they do with jobs on release as it does provide another opportunity for recruitment. It also sits well with their CSR goals and objectives. We always recommend starting with small numbers and building from there.

JON HARWOOD, WAREHOUSE MANAGER AND MANAGER OF JOANNA DOWLING (pictured above centre)

What specific qualities do prison leavers bring to the business?

They join our business with a hard work ethic, they are keen to learn and keen to develop and they have excellent attendance records.

Is there any reputational risk involved in hiring prison leavers?

I can’t see that there is any reputational risk; the rehabilitation scheme is well run, with strong underlying processes and all of the colleagues have gone through a detailed vetting and recruitment process. What we are doing is offering individuals a second chance, which the vast majority are determined to take.

Does DHL’s participation in the scheme form part of its wider Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda?

Yes, this contributes to our CSR policy and is one part of the ways we are involved in the local community along with our charity work, donations to foodbanks and support for local initiatives.

Would you recommend hiring prison leavers to other logistics businesses?

I would absolutely recommend employing prison leavers to other logistics businesses because they are high-performing colleagues who you can rely on to add value to your business.

JO DOWLING, DHL EMPLOYEE (pictured above right)

How has your life changed since leaving prison?
Since leaving prison my life is unrecognisable. It's completely different to what it was before I went to prison. I have a roof over my head, I have a purpose in my life. I live my life without having to keep looking over my shoulder.

Tell us about your job on release on temporary licence (ROTL) with DHL.
My job with DHL on ROTL was amazing. I hadn't had a job for literally most of my adult life, so it was all kind of new to me and it also kept me busy for the final 18 months of my sentence. To be honest I was nervous when we went for our interview but was made to feel at ease. There were 10 of us that went for the job on ROTL and I'm the only one left from the first group of people that started then. It's crazy really, to think that I went to prison and ended up in full-time work at the end of it. I am truly grateful to DHL and all my colleagues for accepting me and supporting me every step of my journey to date.

How does having a regular job help you give your life structure?
Having a regular job helps to give my life structure as I have my set routine now and I actually get bored on my days off. It helps me to stay positive and motivated by knowing I'm part of a team.

What is your favourite thing about your job?
My favourite part of my job is learning new things and the possibilities to progress.

How would you like to progress your career?
In an ideal world, I would like to progress my career by learning all aspects of the roles here on site at DHL and maybe look into doing something with other prison leavers that need support around finding employment upon release.

What would you say to employers thinking about recruiting prison leavers?
I would highly recommend that other employers consider recruiting prison leavers as not only does it benefit the employer, but it also can give the prison leaver a chance at becoming a person that they can be proud of.

Some prison leavers haven't worked for years and probably believe they never would. I'm definitely one of those that thought along those lines.

Giving someone a second chance has massive benefits all around really, not only for the prison leaver and the employer, but also to the community and the prison leaver’s family.

*To find out more about recruiting prison leavers visit New Future Network

Published On: 23/02/2023 16:00:53

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