1 in 4 of us has a conviction
Every day, people with convictions are excluded from employment.
Give opportunity. Gain strength.
When people thrive, organisations thrive.
One in four working age adults in the UK has a criminal conviction, yet many are held back from finding work, regardless of their skills or experience.
Inclusive hiring isn't about charity. It’s about unlocking talent, strengthening organisations and making better decisions.
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Confidence and clarityThe reality
Many people with convictions:
- Are excluded automatically through blanket policies
- Are never given the chance to explain context or change
- Want to work, contribute and rebuild
Employers often want to hire people with convictions, but lack the confidence, tools or clarity to act.
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Be part of the change
The opportunity
When employers give:
- Fair consideration
- Time and understanding
- Proportionate decision-making
They gain:
- Loyal, motivated employees
- Wider talent pools
- Stronger culture and values
- Real social impact
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With you every step of the way
How Working Chance helps
We support employers to:
- Understand convictions and risk properly
- Build confidence in inclusive hiring
- Create fair, safe recruitment processes
- Move from intention to action
How you can make a difference
One in four working-age adults in the UK has a conviction. For many, employment remains unnecessarily out of reach, not because employers lack intent, but because confidence, clarity and proportionate processes are missing.
Whether you are an employer reviewing your recruitment practice, a leader seeking assurance, or an organisation wanting to contribute to systemic change, there are practical ways to take action.
Employers
If you want to strengthen your approach to inclusive hiring, we provide practical guidance, audits and training to help organisations:
- Apply DBS checks and disclosure proportionately
- Build consistent, defensible hiring decisions
- Reduce unnecessary exclusion
- Strengthen employee retention and social value outcomes
Leading employers we work with are already acting:
“At Co-op, we believe that a diverse workforce enriches our organisation and ultimately makes it stronger.We also recognise that as national employer, we have a responsibility to play our part in reducing reoffending and supporting rehabilitation."
NAME Co-Op
“At Virgin, we’ve always believed in backing people — especially those who’ve been overlooked or underestimated. Inclusive hiring isn’t a departure from our values; it’s an evolution of them in action. By embedding clear processes and fostering a culture of openness and support, we’re breaking down the barriers that hold both managers and candidates back."
NAME Virgin
Join the conversation
We bring employers together to share learning, build confidence and hear directly from lived experience. Register your interest in our upcoming employer event.
Support systemic change
Employment is one of the strongest protective factors against reoffending. By supporting Working Chance, you help:
- Increase eligible vacancies
- Reduce reoffending
- Strengthen outcomes for women and families
Generate evidence that informs national policy