The event brought together the Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester Kate Green and senior leaders from a range of regional employers across both the private and public sectors as well as social enterprises.
The roundtable created space for open and honest conversation about the challenges businesses face when recruiting people with convictions and how these could be addressed. Common barriers identified included DBS checks, stigma and housing instability.
Sodexo launched its Starting Fresh programme to drive more career opportunities for ex-offenders in March 2023, after research it commissioned revealed that while 62% of UK private sector businesses faced recruitment challenges and a third had not considered hiring people with criminal convictions.
Many nationwide businesses have engaged with Starting Fresh and recruited people in this way, including Marriott Hotels, Superdrug and Burger King.
Tony Simpson, chief operating officer of justice at Sodexo UK & Ireland, said: “Getting a job can be life-changing for someone with criminal convictions. It reduces reoffending, supports families, and strengthens communities. Programmes like Starting Fresh and employers like those in the room are crucial to breaking down the stigma and opening doors to second chances. I would like to thank all the businesses who attended for their time, openness, and commitment to making a difference.”