MAY 2009

Business in the Community

Jonathan Colton was recently invited to join a group of senior business people to show how they can get involved in community activities in Leicestershire. Brian Stein, Group Chief Executive of Samworth Brothers, hosted the “Seeing is Believing” visit in his capacity as East Midlands ambassador for the Prince of Wales and Business in the Community. The group met at the Samworth Enterprise Academy, where they toured the school to meet staff and pupils and looked at partnership working and the school’s facilities. They moved on to Leicester Prison where they visited the Education department and met and talked to prisoners, before moving on to Goldhill Adventure Playground and SAFFCARE, an active lifestyle project for the elderly. 

The aim of the programme is to ensure that corporate responsibility is recognized as an integral part of successful human behaviour.

Jonathan commented:

“The strongest impression I felt during the visits to the four sites was how different the physical environments were to each other and also to the business one that I inhabit. However, the custodians seemed to care strongly about their charges, even the prison officers. It was fascinating to visit the sites and obtain an idea of how they function. Putting HMP Leicester aside for a moment, the other organizations were all inspiring: the school for the quality of the facility and enthusiasm of its staff, Goldhill and SAFFCARE for the dedication of the staff and volunteers who operate on such shoestring budgets.

Although I was familiar with HMP Leicester, having visited there regularly in a different context, it remains a disconcerting place, struggling to properly fulfil its main purpose. As a remand institution, it struggles to help rehabilitate offenders because of the high turnover of inmates. Thus the fragility of their transition back into society is perhaps more marked than at most other prisons. I feel that society as a whole must become more attuned to the idea of giving ex-offenders another chance. Businesses and other employers can obviously help by being less defensive with job applicants who have a criminal record. Poor literacy and numeracy will continue to inhibit ex-offenders. Some of the prisoners we spoke to gave me the feeling that everyone else was to blame, but some had positive, if misguided, thoughts about how they could be integrated back into society. That, at least, indicated a desire not to re-offend.

There are clearly major challenges ahead at all of these sites. Future funding will be a concern to each of the organizations, but the voluntary sector will also need to continue to be sustained by the people who give so much of their free time. If we all do a little and talk to our friends about our experiences, maybe there will be a ripple effect leading to greater voluntary participation.”

Leicestershire Cares

The company is pleased to report that in the context of giving ex-offenders a second chance, it has now completed more than 15 placements in conjunction with Leicestershire Cares.

Starting three years ago, members of staff have mentored the clients for two-week periods. At first, they would get involved in the factory, but more recently have been given experience as fork lift or commercial truck drivers. Statistics show that 70% go on to find permanent employment very promptly. Last month, we had our first mentee working in the accounts office. Thanks must go to Bryan Carter and Ian Raines for their mentoring efforts, along with all of our team who have co-operated in their accustomed welcoming way.

For more information contact Jonathan Colton at rjc@coltonpackaging.co.uk