The Recruitment Junction, Newcastle

Based in Newcastle, The Recruitment Junction is the only recruitment charity in the Northeast solely dedicated to supporting people with criminal convictions into sustainable employment. Since 2020, they have placed 821 candidates into paid work, with less than 5% re-offending.

This year, CABWI awarded £35,000 towards the project's  Job Finder programme to enable it to support those with convictions based in the community across Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, and County Durham.

The project provides participants with 6-months pre-employment support including: relational 1:1 mentoring, help writing CV/disclosure letters, verbal criminal disclosure coaching, interview practice, practical support to attend interviews and start work (e.g. travel costs, workwear, ID.). All employers receive candidate introductions, and advice on how to onboard/retain candidates from non-traditional backgrounds. Both parties receive 6-months in-work support to ensure job sustainability.

The funding received from CABWI will support the project's work with 370 candidates, of whom 260 will move into secure employment.