Rebuild & Recruit: Business & Prison Workforce

Description

Doncaster Chamber are proud to be launching a new event supporting the rehabilitation and employment of current & ex offenders through connecting the prisons with business. Businesses will have a tour of the facility providing the opportunity to see the work the prisons offer into upskilling and developing offenders helping to ensure they can seek employment and successful re-entry into society upon release. 

We are delighted to be working with HMP Moorland, HMP Hatfield, HMP Lindholme and Serco (HMP Doncaster) in line with the support this will have on the wider community and our dedicated to delivering sustained improvements to public safety, business confidence and visitor experience into the city centre. .
 

WHAT TO EXPECT...
☕ Tea/Coffee
🫂 Build your network - exchange ideas, share experiences & create new partnerships.
🌟 Panel session to support businesses on hiring ex offenders, the opportunities, challenges & wider community impact.
🎗️Support in the rehabilitation of offenders and the impact this has on the wider community.
👗Comfortable, modest, and practical attire (see below for further details).
🏢 Tour HMP Moorland Prison Industries Complex
 🤝 Meet the Doncaster Chamber Team. Book events and membership reviews or ask any questions you might have

THE CONVERSATION

• Addressing myths whilst covering the social impact and practical considerations

• Show the extensive support on offer to businesses

• Focusing on the opportunity & potential within the prison workforce.

• Emphasise connection & collaboration to fill skills gaps. 

• Supporting business to build inclusive workforces whilst contributing towards reducing anti-social behaviour, reoffending and homelessness. 

• Offer businesses the opportunity to tap into an underutilised pool of talent. 

AGENDA(Subject to Change)
8:45am -9:00am: Arrival & Sign In
9:30am – 10:45am: Tours of HMP Moorland Prison Industries Complex
10:50am: Welcomes
                 - Dan Fell, CEO of Doncaster Chamber
                 - Simon McDonnell, HMP Moorland Governor
11:00am: Panel Session
12:00pm – 1:00pm: Networking / Opportunity to speak confidentially to support services/businesses

PANEL SESSION

 Mick Mills - HMP Hatfield Governor, EAB Chair 
 Mick began his service in 1992 at HMP Leeds, later working at   HMP The   Mount before returning to Yorkshire in 1995. He   became an Operational   Manager in 2005 and has held diverse   roles across both adult and youth   justice estates. Prior to his   current position, he served as Staff Officer and   Head of Office for   six years, supporting three successive Prison Group   Directors across 15 prisons. He led improvements in performance, safety, and prisoner outcomes, and pioneered the first Regional Employment Board, contributing to the NFN model. In 2019, he became Governor at HMP Hatfield, achieving outstanding HMIP and Ofsted results. With a strong focus on employment and housing on release, the prison boasts industry-leading outcomes. Mick also chairs the Yorkshire Employment Board and Hatfield’s Employment Advisory Board. Under his leadership, the prison has achieved the highest staff engagement nationally for four years, a zero resignation rate, and top performance in its comparator group.

 Steve Morris - HMP Moorland, EAB Chair 
 With over 25 years of experience in some of the world’s leading   recruitment, training, and HR consultancies. His work spans both   the   private and public sectors, with a focus on delivering   impactful workforce   solutions. Steve is particularly passionate   about improving employment   outcomes for underserved   communities and has a strong interest in   rehabilitation through employment. He currently serves as Chair of the Employment Advisory Board at HMP Moorland, where he is committed to creating sustainable job opportunities for ex-offenders. His leadership helps bridge the gap between prisons and employers, supporting resettlement and reducing reoffending through meaningful employment pathways and tailored training solutions.





Rik Willis - Offploy Training & Advocacy Manager 
Rik Willis is Training & Advocacy Manager at Offploy CIC, a social enterprise supporting people with convictions into employment through training, partnerships and policy advocacy. He brings lived experience and over 30 years of public service to his work in criminal justice reform

 Rebecca Szewczuk is HR Manager for GXO 
 Since Sherburn opened in 2021, I’ve led the recruitment and   support of   serving prisoners working with us, starting with our   first group in September   2021. To date, we’ve employed over 60   individuals, unlocking a valuable   talent pool for our industry while   offering life-changing opportunities to those   facing employment barriers. Supporting this scheme not only helps reduce   reoffending rates but also plays a part in transforming lives—a role I find   incredibly rewarding.










Mick Burns, Drug & Alcohol Recovery Specialist at HMP Doncaster, Employed by Serco and Former Offender

TARGET AUDIENCE
Businesses who can support in the hiring of offenders into job roles across the region upon release. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Please bring photo ID on the day (ideally an in-date Driving License or Passport), you will not be permitted into the establishment without this.

• Late Arrivals will not be permitted. Should you need to leave this event earlier than the planned finish time, please inform the Chamber prior to attending the event.

• Please leave all prohibited items in vehicles such as phones, smartwatches, laptops, unsealed liquids, vape refills, cigarettes etc as these are not permitted to be brought into the prison. If you have any queries specifically then please ask and we can advise.

• As this is a prison-based event, please ensure your clothing is appropriate for the setting. Out of respect for the environment and in line with security expectations, we kindly ask that you avoid low-cut or revealing clothing, short skirts or dresses, and high heels. Comfortable, modest, and practical attire is recommended.

• ​There is a visitors car park on your right-hand side as you turn into the prison and the prison will be on your left. You will be met at the gate by a staff member to support.