News & Events

GQA attends New Futures Network Summit 2021

Simon Smith attended the New Futures Network Summit promoted by the Ministry of Justice.  Below he shares his thoughts.

For those who know me well will know I’m a talker not a typer.

But I couldn’t help but type about such an inspirational day watching the New Futures Network Summit 2021.

It was refreshing to hear from Dominic Raab himself that the government has identified that there needs to be a link between the justice system and industry. This felt like a well thought out and sincere commitment following due consideration of all the facts.

We heard from employers like Timpsons, Greggs, Greene King and Cook. These guys have all employed prison leavers and have great stories about them.

We also heard directly from prison leavers too, very inspirational and something I never expected to hear, and I think I speak for all who heard the stories.

I just felt inspired by the stories and at the same time annoyed a bit that my own misconception of prison leavers had been so bleak.

GQA is heavily involved through Novus in working within the prison system to help provide learning and career opportunities for former offenders.  It is something we will give even more energy to going forward.

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