FabSpeed’s industry-leading Watlington facility is proud to announce the continued success of its ex-offender employment scheme, which has been running for the past four years. In partnership with the New Futures Network and the UK Government’s Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) scheme, FabSpeed has supported over 35 individuals, helping them transition from prison to the workplace. Currently, five ex-offenders are employed under the scheme, with the Company having supported up to six at any one time over the years.
This initiative reflects FabSpeed’s commitment to providing a second chance to individuals nearing the end of their sentences, offering meaningful employment opportunities that aid in their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The company’s work aligns with the wider goals of the ROTL program, which helps prisoners on day release from prison gain valuable work experience, thereby reducing the likelihood of reoffending.
Iain Durrant, Managing Director of FabSpeed, commented:
“The reason we like to support this, is that we believe prison should be about rehabilitation, and coming to the end of their sentences, getting into work is a positive step back into a daunting world which has changed over the many years of imprisonment. It helps individuals adjust to the outside world of today.
I have been overwhelmed with the gratitude, not only for the job but mainly for the trust we have placed with those individuals. Trust, which has been denied them for the years they have been incarcerated, with the restrictions of imprisonment.
I have been involved personally with the New Futures Network for 10 years and have seen the opportunities of ex-prisoners open up due to work on ROTL, which shows post-release employers levels of trust and prior dedication, leading to a 70% reduction in reoffending.”
FabSpeed’s support for ex-offenders through this initiative is a vital part of its corporate responsibility and aligns with Michelmersh’s broader values of fostering trust, community, and rehabilitation. By employing individuals on ROTL, FabSpeed is providing a lifeline that not only helps to rebuild lives but also contributes to reducing reoffending rates across the country.
The impact of schemes like these is significant, with studies indicating that prisoners who have stable employment post-release are up to 70% less likely to re-offend. The New Futures Network, which works with businesses like FabSpeed to unlock these opportunities, highlights that employment is a key factor in rehabilitation.
FabSpeed looks forward to continuing its involvement in this vital work, contributing to a safer, more inclusive society by offering ex-offenders a second chance at life.
Find out more about the Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) scheme
