Growing support for drive to get ex-offenders into work

100 organisations. 100 positive opportunities for people with criminal convictions.

That’s the aim of a Norfolk-wide drive to get ex-offenders into work to reduce the likelihood of them committing more crime.



And with Norfolk MPs Chloe Smith and Clive Lewis already backing it, the scheme has now secured cross-party support with Norman Lamb MP joining the GtoE board alongside representatives from the Department of Work and Pensions, Job Centre Plus and the Prison Service.

On why he’s supporting GtoE, Mr Lamb said: “Creating employment opportunities for ex-offenders is critically important. It helps victims because it reduces re-offending and it is important that ex-offenders have the chance of a good and constructive life.”

Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Stephen Bett, who launched GtoE back in December, added: “With their pledges of work experience, apprenticeships, training, mentoring, interview coaching and employment opportunities, GtoE’s fantastic supporters are leading the way in breaking down barriers to employment for people with convictions.

“Having a job, or being able to gain skills and experience that can help them secure one, can have a huge impact on the future choices of someone with a criminal conviction. We are proud to be working alongside Norfolk employers to not only break the cycle of offending, but also fill existing skills shortages in the county to the benefit of our business community.”

To find out more, visit www.gtoe.co.uk