Sir Robert McAlpine is amongst the first UK companies to be awarded the YOUNITED Flag award for our work to employ ex-offenders.

Launched in September 2019 by music legend Nile Rodgers and crime prevention charity, Key4Life, the award encourages companies to employ ex-offenders and give them another chance.

Senior HR Business Partner, John French, and Director of People & Infrastructure, Karen Brookes, accepted the award on behalf of the company at a recent ceremony at Mansion House in London.

Key4Life works to reduce re-offending through an innovative rehabilitation programme for young men in prison and those at risk of going to prison, saving lives by helping to break the cycle of crime.

We supported a Key4Life rehabilitation programme on one of our projects, providing two young ex-offenders with work experience and exposure to the potential career opportunities available within the construction industry.

As a result, one of these was offered employment with us working alongside the Works Manager as a general operative. The intention is to provide this individual with further employment experience with one of our supply chain partners on the project. We have also taken part in a local workshop, helping deliver mock interviews and providing feedback.

Eva Hamilton, Founder and CEO of Key4Life says: “Research shows that 50% of corporate Britain would not hire ex-offenders, and yet having a job is the crucial success factor for men with convictions. With re-offending costing the UK government £18.1 Billion a year, the YOUNITED Flag award highlights how employing ex-offenders can drive change by dispelling stereotypes and removing unfair prejudice.”

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