JRAG brings together employers, partners and practitioners focused on creating effective employment pathways for people with convictions.
The Justice Recruitment Advocacy Group (JRAG) is a structured employer network supporting fair chance recruitment and social value delivery for people with convictions across England, Wales and Scotland.
Developed as part of the Social Recruitment Advocacy Group (SRAG) in response to growing employer demand, JRAG brings together organisations working at the intersection of prison education, rehabilitation and workforce development, including the New Futures Network, Clinks and ANTZ, to help employers move from intention to practical delivery.
Why Employers Are Turning to Fair Chance Recruitment Now
An increasing number of employers are engaging with people with convictions.
The same critical questions are being asked across sectors and industries.
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How can we recruit from prisons or probation safely and effectively?
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What are the legal considerations when employing people with criminal records?
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How do we align this work to social value commitments and ESG priorities?
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What support is needed to ensure stable employment is sustained?
How do we measure and demonstrate the social impact of employing people with convictions, for our organisation, our communities and our ESG reporting?
What JRAG Offers Employers
JRAG connects people serving custodial sentences with potential employers, preparing both for what happens beyond the gate. This means making sure prison education and vocational training connect to real job opportunities, creating meaningful employer engagement before release, and supporting individuals into sustainable employment after prison.
The need for this work isn't limited to people in prison, or with prison experience - any conviction can have an impact on the employment prospects of unsupported individuals.
For employers, this is about moving from intention to delivery. Many organisations have already taken steps through the Social Recruitment Covenant, the Social Recruitment Advocacy Group and inclusive hiring policies. JRAG builds on that foundation, offering a structured approach to recruiting ex-offenders, reducing hiring risk, and creating pathways that work in practice.
This includes:
Legal and Compliance Support
Pre-Release Training and Vacancy Alignment
Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) Opportunities
Onboarding, Retention and Sustained Employment
Trusted Rehabilitation and Resettlement Partners
What JRAG Means for Partners and Rehabilitation Organisations
For partners, JRAG creates a clearer framework to collaborate with employers, combining skills, employment and support services into a joined-up system.
PeoplePlus and Prison Education: The Foundation Behind JRAG
For PeoplePlus, this reflects the role we already play across custody, communities and employment. As one of the UK’s largest providers of prison education, we work directly with individuals preparing for release, supporting job readiness, confidence and employability skills in real-world contexts.
The Evidence Case: Employment, Reoffending and Community Outcomes
Membership of JRAG represents a shared commitment to building structured, end-to-end employment pathways for people with convictions - connecting preparation, opportunity and sustained work in the community.
This work is not about volume alone. It is about quality, consistency and long-term impact. Evidence continues to show that stable employment reduces reoffending, improves outcomes for individuals, and contributes to safer, more stable communities.
Join JRAG: Register Your Interest in Membership
JRAG is at an early stage and will evolve rapidly with its members and partners. As the network grows, the focus will remain on practical delivery, shared learning, and creating approaches that can scale across sectors and regions.
If your organisation is exploring how to create social value through employment, work with prisons, or build fair chance hiring pathways, JRAG provides a structured and supported way to do so.
Register your interest by emailing us at [email protected]
