How Doncaster Businesses Are Finding Hidden Talent In Local Prisons

Finding the right people for a job can be a massive headache for any business. It often feels like fishing in the same small pond, hoping to catch something new. But what if there was a huge, untapped pool of talent right on the doorstep?

That's exactly what businesses in Doncaster have been exploring, and the answer might surprise a few people. An event called Rebuild and Recruit recently brought local companies and prisons together, shining a light on a group of potential employees often overlooked: current and former offenders who are ready to work.

A different kind of networking event

This wasn't your average business conference with lukewarm coffee and awkward small talk. The Rebuild and Recruit event, organised by the Doncaster Chamber, kicked off with something a bit different: a tour of the HMP Moorland Prison Industries Complex. This gave local business owners a proper behind-the-scenes look at how prisons are not just about locking people up. They are actively training offenders, giving them valuable, real-world skills that employers are crying out for. Think of it as a training centre that also happens to be a prison. The goal is simple: equip these individuals with the tools they need for employment, which is a massive step in their rehabilitation and return to the community.

Getting the inside scoop from the experts

After the tour, it was time for a big chat. A panel session brought together a whole range of experts, from prison governors to HR managers and specialists in the criminal justice system. The lineup was impressive, featuring people who really know their stuff:

• Mick Mills, Governor of HMP Hatfield
• Steve Morris, Chair of HMP Moorland's Employment Advisory Board
• Rik Willis, from a group called Offploy CIC that helps people with criminal convictions find work
• Rebecca Szewczuk, an HR Manager at GXO
• Mark Burns, a Drug & Alcohol Recovery Specialist at HMP Doncaster
• Danny Marshall from Verona Tile Company, a business that has experience in this area

Having all these people in one room meant businesses could ask the tough questions and get honest answers. It's one thing to have an idea, but it's another to hear from people on the front line-from the Governor of a prison to someone on an Employment Advisory Board-who can explain how it all works. They talked about the practical steps, the support available, and the real-life successes, helping to build business confidence in this unique approach to recruitment.

Doncaster's growth and the problems holding it back

Dan Fell, who heads up the Doncaster Chamber, gave a frank talk about the town's situation. He pointed out that while Doncaster has come a long way in the last ten years, some stubborn problems are still getting in the way. It's like trying to run a race with a stone in your shoe.

"In the last decade, our worldview is that Doncaster has undergone something of a renaissance. However, some systemic issues and wicked problems are still holding our economy and communities back. These include our city centre, health inequalities, and persistent labour market issues. These could hobble our growth ambitions or prevent local people and local businesses from participating in Doncaster's growth."

What he means by "wicked problems" are tricky, long-term issues like skills gaps and health problems in the community that don't have an easy fix. These things can stop the whole area from moving forward, affecting everyone from local people looking for opportunities to businesses trying to grow.

Thinking differently about talent

So, what's the solution? According to Dan Fell, local businesses are already starting to think outside the box. They're facing a shortage of workers, but it's not just about filling empty spots. Many are also guided by a sense of what's right for the community.

"Driven by this skills shortage - but also by their moral compasses - hundreds of businesses told us they were thinking liberally and laterally about where talent comes from. Whether it is employing veterans who have served their country, harnessing the talents of neurodiverse people, adjusting for those with complex caring responsibilities, welcoming back retirees, or employing ex-offenders, employers are unequivocal about their meritocratic approach to talent. What is often missing, however, is some of the last mile support or guidance that is necessary to connect hidden talent with hidden careers."

This is a big deal. It's about looking at a person's ability and potential, not just their background. The event was all about providing that "last mile support"-making the final connection between a skilled person who needs a chance and a business that needs that skill. It's about creating real opportunities and fostering genuine inclusion.

More than just a job

The impact of this goes way beyond just filling a vacancy. Giving ex-offenders a stable job is one of the most effective ways to help with their rehabilitation. It's a win-win situation for everyone. When someone has a job, they have a reason to stay on the straight and narrow. This, in turn, has a ripple effect across the entire community.

Hiring ex-offenders helps to:

• Reduce reoffending: A steady income and routine make a huge difference.
• Tackle skills gaps: Businesses get access to trained, motivated workers.
• Improve public safety: Lower reoffending rates mean safer neighbourhoods.
• Boost the local economy: More people in work means more money being spent locally.
• Support community regeneration: It strengthens the fabric of the local area.

By opening their doors, Doncaster businesses aren't just getting an employee; they're actively helping to build a stronger, safer community. And that's something that benefits us all, improving public safety and building a brighter future. The Doncaster Chamber is continuing its work with HMP Moorland and other local prisons to keep these important conversations going, unlocking more hidden talent and paving the way for a more inclusive workforce.