Ex-seed

Ex-seed is an employment agency and recruitment network that provides employment opportunities for people with criminal records. The organization's mission is to help individuals with a criminal history to reintegrate into society and lead crime-free lives by securing stable, meaningful employment. Ex-seed operates as a vital bridge between motivated applicants and forward-thinking employers who are willing to give people a second chance. The company operates on the principle that employment is a key component of rehabilitation and a crucial factor in reducing reoffending.

The Core Philosophy: A Two-Way Street

Ex-seed's philosophy is encapsulated in its two guiding principles: "No-one Gets Left Behind" and "Matched Effort." The organization is built on the belief that a successful job placement is not a one-time transaction but a collaborative effort between the applicant, the agency, and the employer. They offer their services completely pro bono to applicants, understanding the significant financial barriers people with criminal records often face. They provide a range of free support services, including help with CVs and personal disclosure statements, which are critical for navigating the often-complex hiring process.

The "Matched Effort" principle is a cornerstone of their model. Ex-seed makes a substantial investment in its applicants, providing personal support, individual attention, and ongoing mentoring. In return, they expect a similar level of commitment and effort from the people they work with. This mutual commitment ensures that only the most motivated individuals are placed, which in turn increases the chances of a successful and long-lasting employment outcome. This approach builds a foundation of trust and respect, which is essential for both the applicant's personal growth and the employer's confidence in the hiring process.

The Challenge of Employment and Recidivism

The work that Ex-seed undertakes is rooted in a well-documented social problem: the high rate of unemployment among people with criminal records and the strong link between joblessness and reoffending (recidivism). According to various studies, while a high percentage of prisoners look for employment upon release, a much smaller number actually find it. A lack of stable employment is a primary predictor of future criminal activity.

Ex-seed directly addresses this issue by tackling the two main barriers to employment: attitudinal barriers from employers and the practical barriers for applicants.

• Employer Attitudes: Many employers are hesitant to hire people with criminal records due to concerns about risk, trust, and public perception. Ex-seed works as an advocate, educating employers on the benefits of hiring individuals who have turned their lives around. They highlight the fact that these individuals often demonstrate exceptional loyalty and a strong work ethic, as they are genuinely grateful for the opportunity. They also help employers understand the legal framework, such as the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974, which allows many convictions to become "spent" after a set period, meaning they do not have to be disclosed to most employers.
• Applicant Barriers: Individuals with criminal records often face a host of challenges that make finding work difficult. This includes a lack of recent work history, a need for up-to-date skills, and the social stigma of a criminal record. Ex-seed helps applicants overcome these hurdles by providing tailored support and, crucially, by working with them on their disclosure statements. This process helps them explain their past to a potential employer in an honest, mature, and transparent way, reframing a challenging past into a story of personal growth and commitment to a new future.

How They Do It: A Practical Approach

Ex-seed's methodology is highly practical and comprehensive. They work with people both inside and outside of prisons. This includes people who are still serving a sentence but are close to release, those who have been released, and even people who have a criminal record but have never been to prison. The process involves several key steps:

1. Applicant Assessment: Ex-seed gets to know each applicant personally to understand their skills, qualifications, and employment history.
2. Pro-Bono Support: They provide help with crucial tools like CVs and the aforementioned disclosure statements. This assistance is tailored to each individual's circumstances.
3. Matched Placement: Unlike a general job board, Ex-seed acts as a network, directly connecting applicants with employers who have specific job openings and are open to hiring people with criminal records. This "matched placement" approach increases the likelihood of a successful fit.
4. Ongoing Mentoring: The support doesn't end once a job is secured. Ex-seed provides ongoing mentoring to both the new employee and the employer to ensure the transition is smooth and any issues that arise are handled constructively.

Ex-seed's work is a collaborative effort that relies on a network of partners. They work closely with prison resettlement departments, probation officers, job centers, and various charities that support people with criminal records. This extensive network is essential for reaching individuals who can most benefit from their services and for providing holistic support that extends beyond just employment. The organization also works with a wide range of forward-thinking employers across all industry sectors, from large corporations to small businesses, who believe in the principle of giving people a second chance.

The testimonials and articles on their site, including one from a retired British Police Intelligence Officer, speak to the positive impact of their work and the broader social benefits of supporting people with criminal records in finding employment.