De Montfort University Leicester is at the heart of a new initiative to help ex-offenders kickstart their careers.
The university is hosting a new series of events this summer to help rethink employment options for people with criminal records (PWCRs).
Employing Potential explores practical and logistical considerations for recruiting PWCRs, and discuss meaningful work opportunities, belonging in the workplace and career progression.
The initiative, which launched on campus recently at Heritage House, is the first of a series of planned events bringing together recruiters, business owners, academics, policymakers, support organisations and people with lived experience of the criminal justice system.
Attendees took part in a series of roundtable discussions, with questions around disclosing convictions with dignity, helping to get more local businesses on board, and the practicalities of employment.
The start of something new
The initiative is the creation of Dr Nicola Collett, Senior Lecturer in Community and Criminal Justice, and draws on her recent research, with funding for the event coming from Randal Charitable Foundation.
Dr Collett explained the significance of the event and her hopes for what Employment Potential will become in Leicester.
She said: “The work I do is about people living meaningful lives after interacting with the criminal justice system, and employment is one those key things.
"In my research, people took the time to share their life stories with me - I’m passionate about sharing my findings and committing to doing something positive with that.”
Forward-thinking employers
Kate Lee, Group Talent and Resourcing Manager at Samworth Brothers and Chair of the employer board for Leicester Prison, was among those attending the first workshop.
Samworth Brothers works proactively with ex-offenders, especially as individuals are nearing the end of their sentence, with the company encouraging PWCRs to apply for roles within the company.
Kate said working with PWCRs is very possible for a company and can be life-changing for those involved, and events like Employing Potential are key for instigating change.
She said: “After a small risk assessment process and, providing there's no conflict with the job someone is going for, an ex-offender will be interviewed as normal and have the same opportunity as everyone else. We encourage them to start with a fresh sheet and only be judged on the work that they do with us.
“We're trying to build up our network of employers who are thinking productively about employing ex-offenders, giving people a second chance. I've made some really good contacts today, and I have new ideas to take away.”
A student’s experience
Tasnim Amani has just finished her degree in Criminology at DMU and volunteered as a student helper at the event.
She explained how the event helped her to make new contacts and build her confidence.
“I want to go into probation work, so this event has just been perfect form me, being able to make connections with people and ask questions. After talking to the people here today it's given me a new perspective and built up my confidence.
“I’ve really enjoyed my degree at DMU, and it’s definitely helped my career prospects. Criminology is so broad, and there are so many different career routes you can go down. It’s really opened my mind and shaped who I am and how I understand the world."
Posted on Thursday 30 July 2026