Scotland cannot afford to lock away a pool of talent

Readers familiar with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce will know that our priorities are strictly business.

We do not tend to encroach on the territory of our country’s excellent third sector organisations, nor do we signal our virtue by publicising our corporate social responsibility activities.

Why then did we co-sponsor the Release Scotland launch event in the Scottish Parliament?

It has a strongly social purpose: to reduce reoffending by helping people with convictions get sustainable jobs and careers.

In fact, we don’t just passively support this goal, we are passionately committed to it, and see it as one of the most exciting collaborative projects we have been involved in.

The buzz in the Scottish Parliament committee room during the launch, and the level of positive coverage surrounding it suggests the enthusiasm is widely shared.

Release Scotland is a partnership which brings together businesses, charities and government agencies to help those with prison in their history get back to work.

Our own motivations in supporting the partnership are hard-headed, though of course we care about the effect of reoffending on victims, perpetrators and on society as a whole.

However, we believe Scotland literally cannot afford to overlook the hundreds of thousands of Scots men and women, who for a wide variety of reasons, have a conviction in their past.

We do not think it wise that the talents, enthusiasm, insights and experience of as much as 38% of Scottish men and 9% of Scottish women should be put out of reach by the fact of their being compelled to tick a particular box on a form when applying for work.

The case studies Release Scotland has assembled to support this project, add a human dimension that supports the cold statistics.

Reading these examples of lives turned around and businesses boosted is inspirational.

There’s Sean, the convicted ex-car mechanic-turned successful talented salesman, supported by Unlock Employment.

Or Harry, helped into work by The Action Group despite a breach of the peace on his record that made him despair of ever finding work.

Or Sherie, who was given hope and the promise of a placement in Greggs’s Fresh Start programme, and who since her release has thrived behind their always-busy counters.

These individuals have been lucky enough to encounter companies that have been prepared to give them the great gift of trust.

Companies like DAMM Environmental, which works with the Wise Group to give opportunities through its New Routes programme.

Companies that have enlightened workplace attitudes such as Timpson, Greggs and Virgin Trains have learned that the courage to employ people who reflect society’s diversity has done nothing but good for their business, both operationally and in terms of how their brand is perceived.

By weeding out people with convictions, too many Scottish employers simply don’t realise they can be missing out on some very talented, committed, loyal and hardworking individuals.

The commitment, dedication and loyalty these workers can offer Scotland’s businesses is tremendous.

In the months and years ahead, we at SCC will be advocating for the competitive advantage they can bring, which has already been recognised by so many leading businesses.

It’s time for us all to seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

Picture: istock. Many ex-offenders find it difficult to leave their past behind them and struggle to access new opportunities to make a living.