Prison Employment Lead

HMP & YOI Bronzefield is the largest women’s prison in Europe which accommodates a diverse and complex population of women from restricted Status women who require the highest levels of security, women on remand (Who are often experiencing custody for the first time), as well as supporting women with chronic mental health conditions.

 The PEL is responsible for developing and leading an end-to-end Prison Employment pathway, introducing the prospect of employment to prisoners early in their journey. A key focus of this role is to support prison leavers in finding meaningful, long-term employment by building strong partnerships with community employers, ensuring a successful transition back into society.

Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

Main Responsibilities

• Engage with prison stakeholders to set up a system identifying work-ready prisoners and actions needed for employability.
• Collaborate with staff to match work-ready candidates to job opportunities arranged by the New Futures Network and other agencies.
• Support IAG and Education providers to ensure prison induction highlights employment, education, and skills training for new arrivals, records prior experience and skills, and encourages employability skills development.
• Manage an Employment Hub to centralise employment support, promote live vacancies to leavers, and track vacancies.
• Champion innovations in industry recruitment practices (e.g., hospitality and construction drives).
• Partner with the Strategic Employment Advisory Board to align employability programs with employer standards.
• Organise events for stakeholders to bring employers into the prison and facilitate prisoner forums.
• Work with Community Offender Management (COM) to share prison leaver information, reduce duplication, and refer those needing post-release support to Education, Training, and Employment services for ongoing assistance.

Please see attached job description for further information regarding the role requirements.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential

• Demonstrates a genuine interest in the rehabilitation and resettlement of offenders.
• Communicates effectively across various mediums, both spoken and written.
• Proficient in IT, including the use of prisoner databases relevant to the role.
• Manages data and information with strict confidentiality.

Desirable

• Strong knowledge of procedures, policies, and standards related to the Learning, Skills, and Employment pathway.
• Skilled in analysis and scheduling.
• Experience in partnership working.

Package Description

Salary up to £40,000 + £3,729.24 LW per annum, depending on experience.

Working Hours - 37.5 hours per week.

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer 20+ Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, Gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice. For further details regarding our Sodexo benefits please see attached. 

About The Company 

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.

To be considered for an interview you must:

• provide evidence in your application that you meet the minimum criteria in the job description
• meet all of the qualifications, skills or experience defined as essential.

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!