Charity expands jobs support reach

A North East employment charity is expanding its support services to help more people with criminal convictions secure long-term work opportunities across County Durham.

The Recruitment Junction has opened a new office in Durham, extending its specialist job support services into a region currently lacking dedicated provision for ex-offenders seeking employment.

Over the past five years, the award-winning charity has supported 976 people into work with more than 70 regional employers, helping individuals rebuild their lives while addressing skills shortages for businesses.

Its expansion was marked with a launch event attended by employers, education leaders and justice sector partners, alongside former prisoners who have secured employment through the charity’s support, with backing from Ian Baggett, founder of property investment and development firm Adderstone Group and Professor Simon Forrest, principal of the College of St Hild and St Bede at Durham University.

Working closely with employers to create routes into sustainable jobs, The Recruitment Junction sees more than two thirds of candidates successfully complete their probation periods.

Reoffending rates among those supported by the charity are also reported to be below five per cent.

A panel discussion at the launch, featuring Jonathan Kershaw, director at Adderstone Construction; Emma-Louise Smith, senior site manager at SUEZ; Jessica Mellor-Clark, formerly of BeOnsite Lendlease; and Jon Floyd, co-founder of Inside Job; explored the role businesses can play in creating opportunities for people with convictions and supporting long-term social change.

In his introductory speech, Professor Forrest said: “When Ian got in touch, we didn’t hesitate to support. 

“As one of our most loyal alumni, we’ve followed his professional journey closely and it’s amazing to see him using that success to support such impactful work.”

Ian added: “I am proud to count hundreds of people with past convictions as colleagues and former colleagues.

“Adderstone is a company driven by purpose, and affording these people a second chance motivates us all - often far more than the help we give them.”

With its new Durham base, the charity plans to support hundreds more people into employment through partnerships with local employers and organisations.

Beverley Brooks, chief executive of The Recruitment Junction, added: “We are absolutely delighted to have opened an office in Durham, allowing us to support so many more people in the county who have, until now, not had access to the kind of specialist help we provide. The impact on families, and particularly on children who see a parent moving into work, can’t be understated.

“The support of longstanding employer partners like Adderstone is invaluable. 

“It ultimately allows us to help more people access that vital second chance.”

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