We are thrilled to announce that Leigh Goldsmith, Senior HR Manager, has been awarded the Beyond Cleaning Award in the Creating a Positive Legacy category. Leigh was recognised for her work in establishing a groundbreaking partnership between DOC Cleaning and HMP Highdown through the New Futures Network (NFN).

The New Futures Network is a specialist part of the prison service that brokers partnerships between prisons and employers. This partnership allows DOC Cleaning to offer meaningful employment opportunities to prison leavers, playing a key role in their rehabilitation and reducing the likelihood of reoffending. By offering sustainable career pathways, the programme also helps ease the transition back into society, giving prison leavers a chance to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities.

The impact of our partnership with HMP Highdown:

• Only 17% of ex-offenders manage to get a job within a year of their release.
• 3 out of 4 people are comfortable buying from a business that employs ex-offenders.
• 81% of people believe that businesses employing ex-offenders are making a positive contribution to society.
• 92% of employers say diverse recruitment has enhanced their reputation, helping them win new contracts.

This award acknowledges Leigh’s work in establishing a corporate strategic charity partnership and developing an inclusive community engagement strategy. By focusing on long-term impact and fostering meaningful relationships with local communities, Leigh has contributed to creating a lasting, positive legacy in alignment with the company’s strategic goals.

Reflecting on her achievement, Leigh commented:

I was surprised and delighted to win the award and especially for Creating a Positive Legacy, which I feel is so important and something which I try to do every day in everything I do. 

To learn more about our Beyond Cleaning strategy and how you can get involved, click here.