Timpson speaker shares experiences of recruiting ex-offenders
Darren Burns, Director of Diversity & Inclusion for The Timpson Group, joined students from the MSc Human Resource Management course to talk about the company’s drive to recruit ex-offenders.
Darren spoke about the unique story behind Timpson’s innovative approach to recruitment after a chance meeting between CEO James Timpson and Matt, a prison inmate who inspired him to consider the wealth of talent that lies within the system of incarceration.
During his talk, he provided information on how the prison system works and dispelled common myths. For example, there are approximately 10 million people in the UK with a criminal conviction and 1 out of 3 employees have undisclosed criminal convictions. He also talked about how the current system disproportionately affects women and how often women end up with stronger convictions compared to men, for the same minor offences.
Dr Salma Raheem, a lecturer in HR Management and Organisational Behaviour who organised the event, said: “Students were really appreciative of the honest take on the system and the way in which the Timpson Group has honed their recruitment process over the last two decades, including the setting up Academies within prisons and the Release on Temporary Licence training system.”
Prisons and re-offending cost the UK taxpayer approximately £11 billion per year. The Timpson Group find that statistically speaking, colleagues who have come through the prison system are less likely to quit, have a higher quality of performance and the company experiences the fewest issues from this group.
Salma continued: “As an inclusion scholar, I have always been fascinated by how different organisation incorporate inclusive cultures into their culture and, for me, the talk was one of the best we have had on the module, for the sheer creativity of how Timpson’s have developed their recruitment and talent management strategy. I was also really impressed how this one organisation is making a national impact on several fronts including social, political and economic. With the kind of work that The Timpson Group do, they really are at the forefront of this unique frontier in talent management and I’m really proud to have hosted Darren on the module.”
What our MSc Human Resource Management students said:
Gauri Jadhav: “Darren's session underscores the significance of diversity, inclusion, and second-chance employment. His work in uplifting offenders and prisons, previously unknown to me, is truly inspiring. Witnessing his ability to leverage experience for positive change motivates me. Businesses can make a social impact by embracing diversity and offering opportunities to those with criminal records. This knowledge empowers me to advocate for inclusivity in workplace practices and hiring, both abroad and in my home country.”
Rohith Hariharan: “Darren embodies the resilience and potential that lie within each person, regardless of their past. His journey inspires me to champion diversity and inclusion, not just as a professional obligation, but as a fundamental pillar of human dignity and progress. As a future Human resource professional, I believe that embracing diversity will unlock boundless possibilities and create a brighter, more equitable future for all.”
Punitha Battu: “Through Darren's insights, I gained valuable perspectives on inclusion, emphasising not only professional growth but also personal development and offering second chances. His emphasis on earning customer trust, fostering retention, and cultivating employee loyalty resonated with me during our personal conversation. I'll integrate these learnings into my coursework by incorporating inclusive practices and emphasizing trust-building in professional relationships. Beyond academia, I'll apply these principles to foster an inclusive environment, nurture trust among peers, and prioritize loyalty in both personal and professional interactions, thereby positively impacting my academic and future career endeavours.”
Find out more about the MSc Human Resource Management course and apply now for September: liverpool.ac.uk/courses/2024/human-resource-management-msc