UK | Encouraging aged care organisations to consider staff with criminal convictions has become a major cause for leading sector leaders.
In a groundbreaking publication, Working Chance and Care England have launched new guidance to encourage and support adult social care organisations in considering candidates with criminal convictions during recruitment. This pioneering effort aims to dismantle barriers and highlight the significant benefits of employing individuals with experience in the criminal justice system.
The joint publication provides practical advice on how hiring individuals with convictions can address staff shortages and foster a more inclusive and diverse workforce. By prioritising a candidate’s skills and experience over past mistakes, employers can tap into a pool of talented, dedicated individuals eager to make a positive impact in their communities.
“People with convictions are often overlooked when employers think about attracting talent or enhancing their organisation’s diversity,” said Natasha Finlayson OBE, Chief Executive of Working Chance.
“Hiring people with convictions has many benefits for employers and communities, so there’s much to be gained by changing recruiting practices for the better. I hope you’ll come away inspired to open up more opportunities in your organisations to people who need someone to believe in them.”
Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, agreed with Finlayson, adding that opening doors to people who have moved beyond a past criminal conviction can make good sense for organisations and the people they serve.
“This guidance provides an important first step in understanding the benefits and offers practical, actionable steps to make inclusive hiring a reality.”
The guidance has come at a critical time for the adult social care sector, which is facing difficulties in finding the right staff for the right roles. The 2024 HfT and Care England Sector Pulse Check report outlined recruitment and retention of domestic workers, pay, and high attrition as key challenges facing social care. By joining forces, Working Chance and Care England hope to change the narrative around hiring individuals with convictions and demonstrate the significant benefits of a more inclusive approach to recruitment.
Read more here.
