Lord Walney highlights Sodexo’s Starting Fresh programme during HMP Addiewell visit
On 31 July, HMP Addiewell in West Lothian hosted a visit from Crossbench Peer Lord Walney. The visit showcased the positive impact being created by Sodexo’s Starting Fresh programme and provided a forum to discuss potential partnerships to further enhance rehabilitation efforts.
Sodexo UK & Ireland, a leader in sustainable food services and valued experiences, has managed UK prisons for 30 years and currently fully operates six prisons. Committed to rehabilitation, dignity, and purposeful activity, Sodexo highlights its efforts at HMP Addiewell.
HMP Addiewell is a modern prison housing and rehabilitating up to 700 men at any one time. The prison is known for its focus on providing education, training, and employment opportunities to prisoners, both during their sentences and post-release. The aim is to equip prisoners with the skills and support needed to reintegrate into society successfully. This facility is a prime example of Sodexo's commitment to transforming lives and creating a positive social impact.
The Starting Fresh programme, launched last year by Sodexo, underscores their dedication to rehabilitation and reintegration. This initiative encourages more businesses to consider hiring individuals with criminal records and provides them with the proactive means to do so. Including through recruitment events at their prisons which give employers the chance to meet people close to their release date and learn more about the skills and qualifications they have gained during their time in prison. As part of the initiative, the Starting Fresh Employer Toolkit provides employers with resources and guidance on how to support ex-offenders, helping to reduce recidivism and promote inclusive employment practices.
Those on the visit with Lord Walney also met The Wise Group, a leading social enterprise working to lift people out of poverty – including through community justice. The Wise Group’s mentoring services provide wraparound support and guidance to people serving short-term sentences.
Lord Walney, a former advisor to Prime Minister Gordon Brown, attended the visit, and said: "Through my work with the Purpose Coalition and my time in politics, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of simply giving people a chance. Sodexo’s Starting Fresh programme is a prime example of how targeted support and training can not only change individual lives but also contribute to safer communities and a more inclusive economy.
“We need to find innovative ways to reduce reoffending and allow prison leavers to contribute to society when they get out instead of being a drain on the public finances. Sodexo's Starting Fresh is a brilliant example of the private sector working for the public good to transform our justice system."
Tony Simpson, Justice Operations Director, Sodexo UK & Ireland, added: “It was great to host Lord Walney at HMP Addiewell today. We have a shared belief in the transformative power of gainful employment for people with criminal convictions and are both keen to drive recognition of the immense value they can bring to both businesses and the communities they serve.”
The visit provided an opportunity to witness the transformative power of education and training programmes within the prison. Prisoners shared stories of personal growth and preparation for life post-prison, highlighting the importance of such support systems. The visit also focused on the economic and social benefits of rehabilitation, not just for the individuals involved but for the broader community and local economy.
The efforts of Sodexo and The Wise Group, leading members of The Purpose Coalition, exemplify how businesses can play a crucial role in this mission. These organisations are actively shaping the discourse around corporate social responsibility, emphasising that supporting offenders pre and post release is not only a moral imperative but also beneficial for the community.
As the new UK government highlights breaking down the barriers to opportunity, the efforts of businesses like Sodexo and social enterprises like The Wise Group become increasingly vital. These organisations are leading by example, demonstrating how inclusive practices can drive positive social change. The visit to HMP Addiewell stands as a testament to what can be achieved when public and private sectors collaborate towards a common goal—creating a more inclusive and supportive society for all.
