Clean Sheet: giving ex-offenders a second chance
As our members and Ambassadors will testify, sport can help provide a route out of a damaging cycle of re-offending.
The charity Clean Sheet – an Alliance of Sport member – is keen to link up with sporting organisations that can offer ex-offenders the chance of employment upon their release from prison.
Clean Sheet currently has a directory of over 100 employers with more than 16,500 business centres, branches, sites and offices nationwide. All of them welcome applications from those currently incarcerated or ex-offenders in the community.
With full understanding of the power of sport as a rehabilitative tool, they are already in talks with prospective sports industry employers and want to speak to more with a view to expanding their directory and giving more ex-offenders the chance to rebuild their lives.
- Employment means an individual is up to 67% less likely to re-offend
- Clean Sheet say each reoffending prisoner costs the government up to £59,000
- In 2017, Clean Sheet claim to have saved the taxpayer over 2.75million
- Clean Sheet has 350 active members with services delivered in 17 prisons
Clean Sheet delivers a membership module in prison to assess which attendees are ready for employment. Thereafter, members receive a secure login and can browse active vacancies from organisations that they know will welcome their application and not exclude them because of their conviction.
Once an employer receives an application, they work with Clean Sheet in considering it, with both candidate and employer supported through the interview process and post-recruitment. “It’s a support package for the individual and a safety net for the employer,” comments Employment Development Manager, Richard Rowley.
“Employers appreciate openness and honesty,” he adds. “We take a transparent approach, talking about convictions and removing it as a barrier. Our employers appreciate that and in return they get access to a diverse and skilled workforce.
“We recognise the immense benefits sports organisations can give to ex-offenders and also what Clean Sheet members can do for them in return; that’s why we’re keen to get a ‘foot in the door’.”
AND IT WORKS…
- S. left prison after ten years inside. His home was a borrowed tent. Desperate to find work, he called Clean Sheet. He started his new job a month ago.
- M. was two years out of prison, in a dead end job and tirelessly working to improve herself and build a better future. Clean Sheet affirmed her potential. She started a Criminal Justice blog. She won a University place and is now in demand as a speaker nationwide.
- J. was three months out of prison before finally plucking up courage to call Clean Sheet. He tweeted: “I’ve been talking to an angel”
THEY SAID…
“This was one of the most helpful meetings I have ever had in prison! It should be more widespread around the prison establishment.” – Prisoner, HMP Thameside
“At several points throughout my situation, I genuinely believed I may never work again. With a family and a mortgage and so forth, it was an immense worry. Securing this position is a huge relief and an opportunity that I can’t wait to begin.” – Clean Sheet member
“All I want is a chance to prove myself, to show I can do a good job and be reliable, I know they wouldn’t regret taking me on.” – Clean Sheet member
For more information on Clean Sheet please go to cleansheet.org.uk or contact Richard Rowley: richard@cleansheet.org.uk