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Traffic management firm helps prison leavers build careers in the highways sector
Nicky Roger Associate editor
A careers advice day in action at HMP Wealstun. Image: Premie Traffic Management
A Tier 1 traffic management firm has recruited 12 people over the last 24 months, following their release from prison as part of a programme supporting offenders into sustainable employment.
Premier Traffic Management has been working with organisations supporting offender resettlement across the North of England, helping people approaching the end of their sentences understand the career opportunities available in construction.
The initiative has been delivered through the National Highways Scheme Delivery Framework 1 (SDF1), which began in September 2021, and has included attendance at resettlement markets and careers advice days at seven prisons: HMP Northumberland, HMP Holme House, HMP Kirklevington Grange, HMP Deerbolt, HMP Wealstun, HMP Durham and HMP Low Newton women’s prison.
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The events give prisoners nearing the end of their sentences the opportunity to explore potential careers, alongside access to advice on areas including housing, banking, physical and mental health and support following release.
To date, the programme has resulted in 12 people being recruited following their release, into roles within the firm's traffic management and vehicle restraint systems (VRS) teams.
The company has also provided 250 hours of ‘support into work’ assistance to unemployed offenders through career mentoring, CV advice, mock interviews and careers guidance.
The work is aligned with the Themes, Outcomes and Measures (TOMs) social value framework, including measures covering the employment of rehabilitating or ex-offenders and support into work.
The firm has developed links with organisations including the Ministry of Justice, Sodexo, Clean Slate Solutions, The Recruitment Junction, Novus and Ingeus to help provide routes into employment and support prison leavers as they transition back into society.
It has also sought to address diversity within the traditionally male-dominated traffic management sector.
Female employees working as traffic management operatives are taking part in a dedicated ‘Women in Traffic Management’ event at HMP Low Newton. They’ll share their own experiences of working in the sector with women approaching release, highlighting traffic management as a potential career.
The company said its work with prison leavers reflects its commitment to creating meaningful employment opportunities while helping address skills and resource shortages across the built environment.
The initiative also demonstrates how social value commitments made through public procurement can translate into practical employment opportunities.
Under the National Procurement Policy Statement, contracting authorities are expected to have regard to wider socio-economic and environmental benefits when procuring services, with social value commitments made during procurement reflected in contracts and their delivery.
Phill Beaumont FCIOB and CIOB Trustee is the social value lead for the company. He said he was "proud of its history of supporting resettlement initiatives and providing employment opportunities for people seeking to rebuild their lives after prison".
