Mitie partners Mosaic charity for ex-offender scheme
Outsourcing firm Mitie has teamed up with mentoring charity Mosaic to launch a new ex-offender programme.
The partnership with the HRH The Prince of Wales charity will offer ex-offenders transferable skills, experience and mentorship, through a series of workshops and training programmes that will ultimately lead to a work placement within Mitie.
The workshops, taking place at HMP Isis, will concentrate on activities that help people to improve skills and abilities in networking, presentation and communication and also to build up the participants' confidence levels.
The Mitie Foundation, Mitie's charitable arm will oversee the programme, which builds on the foundation's Ready2Work scheme, an eight week on-the-job work experience programme that involves working with Mitie or its clients and partners, and has succeeded in getting more than 70% of candidates into employment.
Ruby McGregor-Smith, chief executive of Mitie and trustee of the Mitie Foundation, said: "The Mitie Foundation is dedicated to creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to join the world of work, by raising aspirations and unlocking people's true potential.
"We are delighted to be able to support Mosaic's efforts to help those who wish to turn their back on previous criminal activity to get back in to the workplace and make a positive contribution to society."
Jonathan Freeman, managing director of Mosaic, added: "The reoffending rate for short-term prisoners stands at around 60% yet the likelihood of reoffending can be cut by up to 50% if an offender leaves prison with secured accommodation and employment.
"Providing mentoring support to ex-offenders can provide a significant contribution to stemming the rising disproportionate number of Muslims in the prison system. I wish everyone involved much success."
