James Reed: all about business

45. Should you hire ex offenders? Reed's report is here and the verdict is in! | Alex Head

22 Sep 2025

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Reed's Report: Employer Attitudes to Hiring People with Criminal ConvictionsResettling into society after prison is a huge challenge — especially when employers are reluctant to hire people with a criminal record. Too often, talented individuals are overlooked, leaving skills and potential untapped, and making them far more likely to reoffend. In this episode, we dive into the findings of the latest REED report; "Employer attitudes to employing people with criminal convictions.”, and its findings. The report reveals a concerning trend where one in five employers would not consider a candidate with a conviction at all, and the willingness to hire individuals with criminal records has dropped sharply across various offenses.We’re joined by Alex Head, the owner and founder of Social Pantry, a leading independent catering company known for its work with prison leavers.Alex shares her journey from starting a sandwich delivery service as a teenager, to building Social Pantry into a leading employer of prison leavers in the hospitality industry. She provides practical insight into the successes and challenges of this great work, demonstrating how giving people a second chance can lead to a compelling and persuasive workforce.This is an essential listen for any business leader looking to build a resilient and socially conscious company and challenge the stigma of employing ex-offenders.Timecodes:04:18 Social Pantry's business model and success06:14 Challenges and support for hiring prison leavers13:09 The role of charities and probation services23:39 Employment boards and training opportunities29:58 Empathy and communication in the workplace34:45 Challenges and benefits of hiring prison leavers38:31 Addressing employer hesitations44:06 Success Stories and Future PlansIf you are interested in supporting prison leavers back into employment and joining Social Pantry's working group, please email [email protected] James Reed on LinkedInFollow Alex Head on LinkedinCheck out Social Pantry’s website Check out Key4Life’s websiteStart your free trial at Reed.ai NOW!All About Business is brought to you by Reed Global. Learn more at Reed.com This podcast was co-produced by Reed Global and Flamingo Media. If you’d like to create a chart-topping podcast to elevate your brand, visit Flamingo-media.co.uk

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James Reed: all about business

James Reed: all about business

45. Should you hire ex offenders? Reed's report is here and the verdict is in! | Alex Head

This episode hasn't been transcribed yet

Other episodes from James Reed: all about business

62. How to stack revenue: The 3 levers that grow any food local business | Pete Russell

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