We believe in making a long-lasting difference impact on local communities, which is why we have decided to partner with 100 & First Foundation, an organisation that works closely with offenders, ex-offenders and those vulnerable to committing crime. Dedicated to reducing reoffending rates, 100 & First Foundation believes in giving offenders the inspiration, hope and self-worth to create a positive personal change to prevent re-offending.
100 & First Foundation recognises that real change for their participants requires a personal journey, during which they shift their identity – from ‘pro-offending’ to ‘pro-social’. This means a shift in the way that the participant sees themselves in the world from an identity that allows offending, to one that encourages an aspirational future that contributes positively to society. These values and beliefs align seamlessly with DOC Cleaning’s own sustainability objectives and commitment to community welfare.
On 17th September 2024, our management team welcomed Isobel Clarke from 100 & First Foundation to our head office in Bishops Stortford for a cultural analytics meeting. During this meeting, we discussed how our team can support mentoring prisoners both pre- and post-release, as they adjust to life outside of prison and work towards reducing reoffending rates.
Our Head of ESG, Jeff Silver, Account Director, Brummell Gonzalez, Compliance Director, Vince Turner, Senior HR Manager, Leigh Goldsmith, and HR & Payroll Administrator, Nicola Renouf, took the opportunity to engage in discussions and learn more about the prison system, the reasons behind imprisonment, and the types of support that prove most effective.
The next steps for those involved is to visit HMP Mount in Hemel Hempstead for a prison orientation session. This half-day visit will provide them with the chance to experience the prison environment, hear first-hand accounts from prisoners, and observe interactions between staff and mentees.
Our partnership with 100 & First Foundation enables us to offer social support to disadvantaged groups. While mentoring is the primary focus of our involvement, this collaboration also opens the door for us to provide employment opportunities to individuals who demonstrate commitment and growth during their journey.
By offering stable employment to those in need, we can contribute to breaking the cycle of reoffending, providing these individuals with a second chance to rebuild their lives and become positive contributors to society. This initiative supports our broader mission of fostering sustainable, inclusive growth within the communities we serve. Employing ex-offenders not only helps them secure a brighter future, but it also helps our organisation to tap into a diverse pool of talent, bringing unique perspectives and experiences into our workforce.
Reflecting on the meeting, Jeff Silver, Head of ESG commented:
Our discussion with 100 & First Foundation provided real meaningful insight about the importance of being a mentor to people who need a support mechanism for change. Given that it costs the UK more in re-offending than our nuclear deterrent programme it strikes me that we can help provide a small solution that makes a difference to people’s lives.
To learn more about our Beyond Cleaning strategy and how you can get involved, click here.