Why visit a Prison?
December 20, 2024Posted by:
Liz Squire, Head of Employer Management at PeoplePlus, shares her insight on why visiting a Prison can be an invaluable personal and professional experience when developing Social Recruitment and Social Value impact plans.
Liz’s first prison visit was to HMP Sudbury, a Category D open prison where PeoplePlus provides education and employment support. That visit, accompanied by representatives from SRAG Member organisation, Keltruck, completely reshaped her expectations of what life in a prison would be like, offering her a perspective she is keen to share with employers who may be hesitant to engage with the prison system.
“I went in expecting to feel intimidated, maybe even a little frightened,” Elizabeth explained, “Many of our employers are reluctant to visit prisons for those very reasons.” But those preconceptions were quickly shattered.
The visit began in a somewhat surprising setting. “I was sitting in a Costa Coffee shop, inside the prison, being served by a prisoner. Later, I visited the garden centre, where another prisoner assisted me. It was eye-opening,” she said, describing the remarkable self-sufficiency she witnessed. “Prisoners were growing their own shrubs, plants, and vegetables. The sense of productivity and independence was clear. These activities generate income for the prison and give the prisoners meaningful work. The skills they gain can be useful beyond prison.”
Elizabeth was struck by the industrious nature of the environment. “Everything was so well-organised, from the laundry system to the canteen. The prisoners do all the work themselves. It’s not what people expect when they think of prisons,” she noted. This experience also mirrored her visits to HMP Foston and Drake Hall, both women’s prisons, where zones were dedicated to either work or study. “Whether male or female, prisoners are proud to be doing something positive. They’re eager to talk about their hopes and plans for when they’re released.”
Another encouraging takeaway for Liz was how welcoming the prisoners were. “It’s not awkward at all. They’re often the first to greet you with a ‘Good morning’ and are curious to know why you’re there, where you’re from, and what you do.” This warmth and engagement stand in stark contrast to the intimidating stereotypes many people have of prison environments.
During the visit with Keltruck, a company specialising in logistics with a fleet of huge lorries, Liz noticed how much the conversation resonated with the prisoners. “For many, having the opportunity to get an HGV license is a big deal. It’s something tangible they can aim for, and companies like Keltruck are able to help them achieve that.”
Addressing concerns that some might have about engaging in conversation with prisoners, particularly women, Elizabeth shared her experience of visiting a men’s prison as part of an all-female group. “It wasn’t a problem at all,” she said. “The media often portrays prisons as environments where catcalling and verbal abuse are the norms, but everything is supervised and well-managed by our partners, the New Futures Network.”
She emphasised that these visits aren’t just about individual learning but also about creating a sense of shared experience and support. “When you go in with a group, you’re escorted and supported. You also have the chance to interact with other employers who may have similar questions or ideas, which is invaluable when it comes to sharing best practices.”
Elizabeth also highlighted the growing range of opportunities for prisoners to experience different industries within prisons, giving the example of DHL, which has picking and packing areas where prisoners prepare packages of purchased items for other inmates. “They package things like chocolate or cereal, they earn a bit of money, wear the uniform, and learn what it means to sustain a job. It builds confidence and creates a foundation for when they’re released.”
The brilliant thing for Liz is that for attendees these visits mark the beginning of a new determination to work inside prisons – where engagement is most impactful. “Many employers who have visited now come back to conduct mock interviews, provide interview training, and offer job vacancies upon release. Some even sponsor industries within the prison. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming—start with one prison leaver, and make it work. Break it down into manageable steps.”
As an example of success, Elizabeth pointed to James Timpson, who began by employing just ten people who had been in prison. Now, as the newly appointed Minister of State for Prisons and Probation, Timpson will take the findings of a major review of sentencing just announced to implement what are likely to be big changes. “I think his journey highlights the potential impact employers can have on the justice system and society when they get involved.”
Looking ahead, Elizabeth shared her enthusiasm for the final SRAG group Prison visit of 2024, to HMP Nottingham. “Demand is high for these visits, and we’ll try to accommodate as many people as possible, but numbers have to be controlled.” For employers, these visits offer more than just insight—they can be a catalyst for cultural change within organisations. “Taking part in a visit is an invaluable opportunity to influence your supply chain and clients and introduce them to initiatives like the SRAG (Social Recruitment Advocacy Group) through shared learning experiences.”
As PeoplePlus continues to expand its Social Value agenda with the SRAG and the Social Recruitment Covenant, Elizabeth is eager to see the ripple effects of these visits. “I’d love to see the impact extend far and wide. These visits provide a rare opportunity for employers to learn and engage, and I’m recommending them to senior leaders who don’t directly work in Prisons across PeoplePlus and more widely in 2025!”
For employers who are considering engaging with the prison system, Liz offers simple but impactful advice: “Start small. James Timpson proved you don’t have to hire 100 prison leavers—begin with one and let that be the start of something bigger.”
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December 20, 2024Posted by:
