Pilot scheme to help people with convictions enter the workforce

Irish HR experts are volunteering to help people with convictions navigate the workplace.

The CIPD is launching a new pilot initiative to support people with convictions to succeed in the workplace. Pictured are Fiona Sharkey, Partner, McInnes Dunne Murphy; Ray Power, Prison Reform and Mental Health Advocate; Meg Dunphy, the CIPD's HR Policy & Engagement Lead; Jacob Harmon, Operation Manager, Tosú, and Sally Eley, Head of the CIPD Trust. Picture Alan Rowlette.

Ireland’s HR representatives are launching a pilot initiative to support people with convictions to succeed in the workplace.

The professional body, the CIPD, has commenced the project in a partnership with Tosú, an Irish organisation that supports people with convictions to build new beginnings and stable futures.

Tosú’s support ranges from addressing employment needs to housing, from self-esteem to education and training. The initiative will see HR professionals volunteering to mentor a Tosú client who has a conviction into employment and to support them to navigate the workplace.

The partnership is the first step in expanding the CIPD trust to Ireland.

The trust is the charitable arm of the HR body, and was first launched in Britain in 2022 to expand social impact and improve diversity and inclusion.

Its mission is to support those facing the biggest barriers to work by harnessing the knowledge and expertise of people professionals, connecting talent with opportunity, and helping individuals get into and thrive in fair, inclusive workplaces.

Sally Eley, the head of the CIPD trust, said: “We know that having a job is one of the key things that helps people turn their lives around and secure a better future after leaving prison. HR professionals are uniquely placed to help more vulnerable groups better navigate those first few months in a job and boost their chances of success. We pair HR professionals with someone who is looking for a job or who has just started a job.

“We have seen great results in the UK, and we’re delighted to see this initiative beginning in Ireland.”

Meg Dunphy, the CIPD’s HR policy and engagement lead, said: “As part of this pilot, we will initially be working with people with minor convictions. We’re putting the call out for HR professionals to please get involved and volunteer your time. You can help change someone’s life. The world of work is changing rapidly for everyone, but that pace of change makes it even more daunting for someone with a conviction who may have been out of work for years.

“We hope that through this project we will be able to give people the confidence, emotional, and practical support they need to succeed.”

Jacob Harmon, the operations manager with Tosú, said they support a unique network of people across Ireland who have criminal convictions and other court sanctions.

“Meaningful employment and career advancement are key pillars of stability for our clients, and we are delighted to partner with CIPD on this pilot initiative, which will bring HR expertise to our network and provide valuable support for our clients,” he said.

The pilot project was announced at the CIPD’s Employment Law Conference.

Ray Power, a prison reform advocate, was one of the panellists.

“When someone has paid their debt to society, they deserve a fair chance to rebuild their future, Talent is everywhere, opportunity is not. You can’t underestimate the impact the act of giving hope to someone can do to positively change their life” he said.