What is Second Chance?

Second Chance is an exciting new initiative aiming to address the barriers faced by ex-offenders ready and willing to work, but often discriminated against because of their past records. The Citizens Trust's work with prisoners wanting to rebuild their lives has uncovered a critical need for a rethink of policies regarding the employment of ex-offenders.

"Ex-offenders genuinely wanting a second chance in life see employment as the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow," says the Trust's CEO, Theresa Moore MBE, "but, in our experience, that pot of gold just isn't there. Society wouldn't have the 68% re-offending rate if it were, and we wouldn't have the drug and alcohol problems associated with prisoners."

The process of rehabilitation and support needs to start as early as possible, so as to be a focus throughout a prisoner's sentence. "I believe that prisons should be rehabilitation centres, each concentrating on a specific area such as assessments, drugs, alcohol, mental health issues, education (basic skills) and training," explains Ms Moore. "The Second Chance programme will be a trusted filter enabling prisoners receiving this rehabilitation to take up employment."

The Second Chance Charter

This will operate in a way similar to the Government's Two Tick symbol, used by employers prepared to offer work to suitable candidates with disabilities. Now widely used, this has become a recognisable symbol identifying businesses embracing the Government's policies of best practice and social inclusion.

The Second Chance Charter will identify employers willing to consider suitable applicants despite their having a prison record. The principles of the Charter will be drawn up jointly by The Citizens Trust, supporting employers, and organisations involved in the project.

Why should I Support Second Chance?

Second Chance is not just about helping ex-offenders back into society, although that is certainly a major element. It is also about reducing the instances of re-offending, so helping to create a safer, socially inclusive community that is both economically viable and sustainable. Spearheaded by The Citizens Trust, it represents a positive interchange between rehabilitation, employers and community.

Employers
Employers can take the lead in decision-making, to ensure their chosen employees receive tailored support. Both parties will be backed by prisons, service providers, government bodies and other experienced organisations to make sure employers gain quality additions to their workforce. Businesses have the added knowledge that they are contributing to an inclusive society while creating an environment conducive to a growth economy.

Society
It is well known that employment substantially reduces the rate of re-offending (see accompanying statistics). Second Chance aims to increase the employability of ex-offenders, reducing crime rates and building responsibility and community.

Rehabilitation
Prisoners wanting to rebuild their lives are offered a real chance of a future, provided they take part in specific programmes - eg. rehabilitation for drugs or alcohol problems. The Second Chance Charter will set minimum requirements for prisoners wanting to take advantage of the support on offer. This way, after release, ex-offenders can be assured of real employment opportunities and a worthwhile future, and employers can be assured of fully prepared employees.