The Rebuilding Futures Alliance (RFA), which gives ex-offenders a second chance and boostS recruitment into rail, is now backed by some familiar faces.
Stars of the small and silver screens, Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters, have been named as ambassadors for the RFA, a new national association which has been launched to help relieve pressure on prison places by supporting people with minor convictions to get jobs across Britain’s transport sector.
RailStaff reported on RFA in February (Issue 295 Jan/Feb 2025), when we attended its launch event at St. Pancras International on Tuesday 11 February. The non-profit organisation unites a coalition of reputable post-conviction charities, connecting them with major transport employers. It aims to break the cycle of criminality amongst the UK’s low-risk prison population by offering them the chance to learn a skilled trade across Britain’s rail, bus, and metro networks.
Speaking at the launch event, transport expert and director of RFA Chris Leech MBE, said: “This is the start of the journey and over the coming months and years this new alliance will be game-changing for transport, prisons, people, and the communities we serve – along with a boost to the economy with more people in work, paying more tax,”
“Add in the savings to the taxpayers in reducing the prison population, even by a fraction, and it makes complete sense and underpins our mission to deliver shared-value creation, where everyone benefits.”
Star support
Actors Stephen and Hannah, who also co-founded Matriarch Productions, have starred in major Hollywood blockbusters as well as critically-acclaimed TV series including Boiling Point, This is England, and, most recently, Adolescence. The pair also appeared together in acclaimed BBC prison drama Time, which has given them an extra insight into the issues behind the RFA’s initiative.
“Prisons are at breaking point and when people do leave jail, 50% of individuals within the first 12 months fall back into the vicious circle of criminality and unemployment,” says Stephen. “The Rebuilding Futures Alliance aims to change all that for low-risk offenders, who account for a large part of the prison population.
“It’s for that reason we are delighted to back this not-for-profit organisation and the potentially life-changing work they are now undertaking.”
“This is game-changing for employment, for public transport, infrastructure and for society,” Hannah adds. When someone serves their time, it’s critical that they get given the right support to put them on a path and that it is tracked, measured and reported.
“The Rebuilding Futures Alliance will do that, meaning less people in prison after falling back into criminality, more skilled, trained workers in one of the UK’s largest sectors and more money in taxes going back into the economy.
“Ultimately, it’s about saving lives and breaking generational unemployment and criminality amongst low-risk offenders. Everyone stands to benefit, and we are delighted to be helping to lead this movement for change.”
Breaking the cycle
Reoffending rates in the UK are among the highest in the western world. According to RFA’s research, one third of the UK prison population are ‘low level repeat offenders’, with one-in-two reoffending within 12 months of release, compared to one in five if they secure a job with purpose. On top of this, Government statistics show that the average cost to keep a prisoner in jail in 2022-23 was £51,108. Reoffending costs the UK £18.1 billion annually.
Stable employment provides structure, financial independence, and a renewed sense of purpose, helping people with past convictions move forward and reduce the risk of reoffending. By working in supportive environments, individuals gain a sense of belonging, develop skills, and build confidence, enabling them to transition from past challenges to meaningful careers.
The beauty of the RFA’s work is it that it not only helps to minimise the societal and economic impacts of repeat offending but also addresses a key concern within the rail industry – the attraction and retention of staff.
Much of the conversation around recruitment into rail revolves around its unique demographics. For many years, the industry has been top-heavy with staff approaching the end of their careers and, when they eventually leave, they take decades of knowledge with them. It also creates a situation where many staff can leave in a short period of time. A 2024 National Skills Academy for Rail (NSAR) survey reported that 90,000 people are expected to leave the industry during the next five years.
However, if the work of the RFA can produce a steady stream of potential candidates, all eager for an opportunity to rebuild their lives, the pressure on recruitment could be alleviated. The backing that the RFA has received, will do much to bolster this cause.
“The support we’ve had for the launch from industry and charity leaders has been overwhelming, which proves the concept is right.” says Chris.
“To now have the backing of such high profile, talented people who have brought experiences of the prison system to life on the screen is just overwhelming and we can’t thank them enough.”
Image credit: RFA
