A grant of almost £20k from the Randal Foundation will help experts at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) to improve outcomes and employment prospects for people in the prison system.
The charity, founded by entrepreneur and DMU Pro-Chancellor of Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, has provided £19,500 to help fund two separate projects.
The Employing Potential project is led by Dr Nicola Collett, Senior Lecturer in Criminology at DMU. It offers a programme of workshops and talks, bringing together employers from organisations of all sizes to explore evidence-based insights and practical approaches to recruiting people with criminal records. Through personal reflection and the sharing of knowledge and experiences, Employing Potential supports employers to build their understanding, skills, and confidence in this area.
The Talent Unlocked project is run by DMU’s Dr Jacqui Norton, Associate Professor of Arts and Festivals Management, with additional support by Simon Bland, from Ingeus UK’s Justice Division. Talent Unlocked is an arts festival behind bars. The festival launched in November 2017 as part of an initiative and partnership between HMP Leicester and DMU. Talent Unlocked aims to provide a sustained programme of creative arts activities for prisoners, prison staff and some members of the public. Initially the programme will run during a two-week period and will include performances, workshops and “in conversations.”
Dr Collett said: “This funding provides us with the opportunity to shape lives. Through both of the projects - Employing Potential and Talent Unlocked - we will be tackling the stigma surrounding criminal justice involvement and encourage employers to see beyond the 'ex-offender' label. It is a real privilege to be working with local employers to make long-term positive change in my local community."
Dr Norton said: “Evidence shows that arts in a criminal justice setting support with education, self-confidence and well-being. Engagement can support residents in feeling driven to pursue new interests, but also re-visit forgotten skills which in turn can support with future vocational opportunities.”
DMU will be employing prison leavers to work on both projects.
Reports from both projects will be produced to inform future policy and practice.
Posted on Tuesday 3 February 2026