National Highways helps give second chance to ex-prisoners

17/01/2025 | CHRIS AMES

National Highways helps give second chance to ex-prisoners

National Highways is taking part in a new government initiative that aims to rehabilitate ex-prisoners while filling skills shortages.

The government-owned company said it is involved in one of the 'Employment Councils' ministers launched to support offenders serving sentences in the community into work.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said the councils will build on the success of prison Employment Advisory Boards, created by the current reducing reoffending minister Lord James Timpson, before he became a minister.

The boards brought local business leaders into jails to improve education and prisoners’ ability to get work when released.

The MoJ said that while around 80% of crime is reoffending, the latest data shows that offenders employed six weeks after leaving prison had a reoffending rate around half of those out of work.

It pointed out that getting offenders into work helps employers fill vacancies and plug skill gaps and that its research shows that 90% of businesses that employ ex-offenders agreed that they are good attenders, motivated and trustworthy.

Lord Timpson said: ‘The Employment Advisory Boards I spearheaded have made huge progress and now these Employment Councils will expand that success to steer even more offenders away from crime.’

The MoJ said Employment Councils will provide support to frontline probation staff already involved in getting offenders into work and will provide them with a greater understanding of the local labour market and help build better relationships with suitable employers.

Further support from the Department for Work and Pensions will help link offenders with work coaches placed at job centres throughout the country.

In October, National Highways announced that its Lower Thames Crossing project had launched a pilot Skills Hub, providing work-based training courses for people including men and women on day release from Kent-based prisons.

The pilot is being run with Kent-based Gallagher Group, at its Maidstone quarry site, and Flannery Plant Hire.

Amy Dixon, governor for East Sutton Park Prison and Young Offender Institution in Maidstone, said: ‘It's so important for people leaving prison to have meaningful opportunities to be able to move on and succeed.’

National Highways said that following ‘learnings’ from the pilot the plan is to roll out a series of new Skills Hubs across Kent and Essex in 2025.

These will be in partnership with the Construction Industry Training Board, local education providers and the project’s supply chain to continue addressing local skills needs after construction of the proposed tunnel under the Thames.

The project has also appointed Lord David Blunkett, former Labour education secretary and employment secretary, as its skills and education advisor.

Image shows people on day release from Kent prisons for the Lower Thames Crossing Skills Hub Pilot

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Director of Transport

£112,924
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is on a bold journey. East Midlands Region
Recruiter: East Midlands Combined County Authority

Ferry Host - WMF3049i

£25,584 - £25,992
Ferry Host - WMF3049i Windermere, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director of Streetscene

£94,972 - £108,767
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recruiter: Fareham Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Urban Traffic Control (UTC)

£44,711 - £49,764
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities. Liverpool, Merseyside
Recruiter: Liverpool City Council

Roadworker/Driver

Grade 6 £25,183 - £25,638 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Chargehand (2 Posts)

Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for experienced Project Chargehands to be part of the Highways Construction Services team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Lawyer 2- Planning and Highways

£49,764 - £54,181
We are looking for a fresh thinking and enthusiastic Planning and Highways Lawyer Hereford, Herefordshire
Recruiter: Herefordshire Council

Development Engineer

£35,967 - £41,268 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping and safeguarding the future of our highways and public spaces? Bexley (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Bexley

Professional Services Partnering Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Professional Services Partnering Manager to lead the strategic management Darley Dale, Matlock
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technical Supervision Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are looking for an experienced and driven Technical Supervision Manager to lead our technical supervision teams within the Highways Service. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Street Lighting Electrician (CDC)

Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (pay award pending)
Highways Operations is a growing service area within the Place directorate. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Highways Assistant Engineer WMF2133e

£39,513 to £40,476
We have an exciting opportunity for the right person to work within the challenging and ever-changing landscape. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Inspector/NRSWA

£36,345 - £40,344
We are looking for an organised and self-motivated individual to join our Streetworks Team based in Hackney Central. Hackney, London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Hackney Council

Structures Commissioner

Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Team Leader Network Co-ordination

£51,429 - £58,140
As Team Leader for Network Coordination, you’ll manage a team that oversees all works and events on our public highways. Kensington and Chelsea, London (Greater)
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recruiter: Hull City Council

Principal Transport Planner

£45,718 to £49,764
Do you have considerable experience in the transport strategy and policy, and are you looking for your next career development opportunity? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: Sheffield City Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW