Sodexo to guarantee job interviews for people with criminal convictions

Sodexo has committed to guaranteeing job interviews for ex-offenders.  

 

The foodservice giant revealed applicants with a disclosed criminal conviction who meet the job criteria and pass the required screening will be guaranteed an interview as part of its Starting Fresh programme, which was launched to support the recruitment of trained and qualified prison-leavers.

 

The group said “several sites” have already taken on the initiative, which has led to new hires across its food services and facilities management business.

 

Sodexo’s frontline talent acquisition team is said to be working closely with hiring managers to ensure the process meets the safeguarding requirements of each venue.

 

In the year to date, Sodexo has employed 96 people with disclosed criminal convictions, with a third of these hires coming through its Starting Fresh programme, which means these individuals found employment within six weeks of their release.

 

In the last year, Sodexo’s prison employment leads has also placed more than 700 prison-leavers into sustainable employment in industries such as retail, hospitality and construction.  

 

Sodexo stressed it only requires disclosure of criminal activity where vetting is “necessary for the role”.

 

Tony Simpson, justice chief operating officer, Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “Sodexo currently operates six prisons, and we see first-hand the transformative power of meaningful employment for individuals with criminal convictions. Gainful employment not only reduces reoffending but also delivers immense value to businesses and the communities they serve.

 

“We are determined to help improve outcomes for people leaving prison by creating opportunities that allow them to rebuild their lives. Initiatives like Starting Fresh demonstrate our commitment to driving change and making a real difference where it matters most.” 

 

Mark Goodyer, HR director, Sodexo UK & Ireland, added: “At Sodexo, we believe in the power of second chances and the untapped potential within every individual, where all can belong, act and thrive. By guaranteeing interviews for people with disclosed criminal convictions, we are not just opening doors to employment within our business but also breaking down barriers to opportunity.” 

 

Sodexo has been running prisons in the UK for 30 years and continues to collaborate with more than 20 external partners, including the New Futures Network, the Oswin Project, Clean Sheet, Novus Works and the Purpose Coalition.