It’s time to rethink recruitment. People leaving prison often have the skills, drive, and reliability your business needs. If you’re an employer in Norfolk or Suffolk looking to explore inclusive hiring or recruit ex-offenders, Future Horizons is here to help you unlock this untapped talent pool.
About Future Horizons
Every month, around 120 individuals are released from HMP Norwich into Norfolk and Suffolk – many with the skills, experience, and motivation to make a positive impact in the workplace.
Future Horizons connects local employers with these job-ready individuals, offering practical support to help you recruit ex-offenders confidently and responsibly. We work with men in custody to prepare them for employment, ensuring they’re ready to step into a role and contribute from day one.
Offering employment to prison leavers is not only a powerful way to reduce reoffending – it’s a meaningful way to meet your recruitment needs, strengthen your team, and deliver real social value through inclusive hiring.
If you’re an employer in Norfolk or Suffolk, we’re here to help you access this untapped talent pool and make a lasting difference -both to your business and your community.
Why work with Us?
- No agency or advertising fees!
- Interview a diverse pool of candidates who are ready to work, all in one place.
- Access a skilled workforce in Norfolk and Suffolk for hard-to-fill or high-turnover roles, including those with vocational qualifications and industry experience.
- Many candidates have gained practical work experience in prison in areas such as kitchens, cleaning, warehousing, grounds maintenance, and more.
- Prison leavers from Norfolk and Suffolk often hold industry-recognised qualifications, including NVQs in vocational subjects, food safety, industrial cleaning, and even degrees through the Open University.
- Give ex-offenders a second chance to work hard, earn a living, and contribute to their communities.
- By offering second chance employment, you can help reduce re-offending, making a positive social impact right in your local community.
Success Stories
Local Haulage Company
While in custody, Paul gained his forklift licence, an achievement that helped him secure a position with a local haulage company. He has now been in the role for nearly a year, where he continues to show real determination to progress. Paul is thriving in his work and looking ahead to the next step in his career.
Car Manufacturer
With support from Future Horizons, Ben secured a temporary role with a car manufacturer - his first ever job at the age of 23. Determined to make the most of the opportunity, he quickly proved himself and was offered a permanent, direct contract within three months. Just six months later, Ben was promoted to line supervisor, a testament to his hard work and potential.
Partnering with Norfolk and Suffolk Employers
“At Norse Group, we believe that inclusive employment is not only about offering a job but about giving people the opportunity to transform their lives. By employing individuals leaving prison, we are not only benefiting from their skills and determination, but also contributing to the broader community by helping to reduce re-offending and supporting positive change. Future Horizons is a perfect match for businesses like ours, offering practical support to help recruit and integrate ex-offenders into the workforce. It’s an initiative that truly makes a difference, both for the individuals and for the businesses that take part.” – Justin Galliford, CEO, Norse Group
Impact
81%
of people think 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*
40%
Ex-offenders who are employed are 40% less likely to experience mental health issues post-release compared to those without jobs.**
70%
of employers said they would be open to employing ex-offenders if given the right support, yet only 17% are currently engaged in actively hiring individuals with criminal records. This presents a significant opportunity for businesses to engage in inclusive hiring.***
*Ministry of Justice
**The Probation Service
***Social Market Foundation
FAQs
Your questions answered about working with Future Horizons – a programme supporting employers in Norfolk and Suffolk to access skilled, motivated individuals leaving prison.
Is there a cost to me, as an employer?
No. Using Future Horizons to recruit ex-offenders is completely free for employers. There are no agency or advertising fees – just access to a motivated, untapped workforce.
What if I’m interested, but not yet sure about employing prison-leavers?
That’s absolutely fine. Contacting us comes with no obligation. We’ll guide you through the process, answer any questions, and help you decide whether inclusive hiring is the right fit for your business.
I’m unable to employ people with certain offences. Can I still work with Future Horizons?
Yes. We understand that some roles require specific criteria. If there are certain convictions that aren’t suitable for your business, we’ll screen candidates accordingly and ensure introductions are relevant and appropriate.
What support is available for employers?
Future Horizons offers full support throughout the process. We match candidates to your roles, facilitate introductions, and help ensure a smooth onboarding experience. We remain your ongoing point of contact for second chance employment, offering guidance for future recruitment and continued support with anyone you’ve hired through the programme.
What kinds of candidates can I expect to meet?
All candidates referred through Future Horizons are voluntarily seeking employment as part of their rehabilitation and personal development. They may have faced challenges in life, but they are motivated to work, learn, and contribute to the workplace – many already hold vocational qualifications and work experience gained in custody.
How will I interview candidates who are still in prison?
There are several ways to connect with candidates while they are still in custody, including in-person, phone or video interviews. We’ll discuss the most practical option for your business during your initial meeting with us.
Will hiring an ex-offender affect my business reputation?
In fact, it may enhance it. A recent study found that 81% of the public believe businesses employing ex-offenders make a positive contribution to society. Inclusive hiring demonstrates strong values, strengthens your corporate social responsibility (CSR) profile, and contributes to reducing reoffending and creating social value in your community.
Contact Us
If you’re an employer from Norfolk or Suffolk, please contact us.