Gateway to Employment

Gateway to Employment is a strategic partnership between the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk, Norfolk Community Foundation, the Department of Work and Pensions and the Probation Service. It aims to break down barriers to employment for people with an offending history.

Having a job has been shown to reduce the likelihood that someone will reoffend.  Many employers have a skills shortage and would benefit from an increased pool of suitable candidates from which to recruit.

This campaign is supporting men and women who, when finishing a community-based sentence, are left with the task of rebuilding their lives and livelihoods. Not only can employers provide skills and hope for people with an offending history, they are also able to break the cycle of offending, improve the UK's economic recovery and make Norfolk a safe and prosperous place to do business.  In return, employers will get a wealth of ability, loyalty and hardworking individuals with experience.

The aim of the campaign is to:

o   Find and match candidates to jobs or opportunities 

o   To work with you, as employers, to provide a comprehensive level of support to individuals you recruit into your businesses 

o   Give you, as employers, the support you need for your commitment to add social value 

o   Hopefully, you as stakeholders, will work in collaboration to find suitable candidates on their completion of a Community Order to refer to the programme   

o   Support our prison system, through breaking the cycle of crime and escalation of criminal activity that could lead to a custodial sentence.

o   Our support to prison leavers will continue, we remain committed to supporting all prison leavers and the work in prisons. 

o   A dedicated DWP Work Coach will be seconded to the project 

o   And one more nudge, to encourage you as employers to pledge what you could offer to candidates 

o   As partners, we will be promoting the campaign through my PCC website and social media platforms. 

More information

There are various support systems in place for employers to make use of when looking to employ people who are serving community-based sentences and we are willing to make it as easy a process as possible for all those involved.

If you would like to find out how your organisation can get involved or receive further information about Gateway to Employment, please contact the Department of Work and Pensions 
via email.