RailStaff has reported regularly on the activities of the Rebuilding Futures Alliance, the not-for-profit organisation driven by a single mission: to help ex-offenders find meaningful careers in transport.
Founded by transport expert Chris Leech MBE, Rebuilding Futures Alliance (RFA) works to connect the many ex-offender support charities spread across the UK with major transport employers to get people into work – and stay there.
The organisation’s approach aims to not only help relieve pressure on prison places but also 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.
Launched in February this year, RFA has attracted high-profile support from actors Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters, as well as partnerships with companies and organisations from all corners of the transport industry. The past few months have been particularly busy, with pledges of support arriving from rail firms up and down the country.
New partners
In the first round of good news, early June saw Transport for Wales (TfW) announce it had become the first transport combined authority to support RFA’s mission. The Welsh Government-owned organisation is committed to supporting wider social and economic outcomes and this dedication is highlighted by its embrace of RFA’s work in supporting those from marginalised groups secure sustainable careers.
Tina Rees, head of recruitment and onboarding at Transport for Wales commented: “We are committed to improving the diversity and inclusivity of our workforce and we’ve already seen success with our pathways programme, which supports ex-offenders in re-entering the workplace through our Routes into Employment placement scheme. It focuses on rehabilitation back into a working environment, building relationships, understanding our business and developing key employability skills.
“This initiative aligns with our strategic commitments, and we are pleased to partner with the RFA…to create a framework and toolkits that incorporates best practices for attracting and retaining individuals with convictions.
“The partnership will enable us to provide paid placements in the workplace, equipping participants with essential employability skills aimed at rehabilitation and preventing re-offending in the future. We’re delighted to support the RFA and look forward to working together to transform lives, reduce re-offending, and create pathways to employment opportunities.”
TfW’s support will play a vital role in advancing key initiatives led by the RFA and will help with employer engagement and advocacy efforts, particularly through its procurement framework. A central element of this support includes the implementation of the RFA’s Automated Tracking System (ATS), ensuring every candidate and employer is guided through the process and supported to achieve the best possible outcomes.
The ATS is designed to support candidates throughout every step of the recruitment journey. It allows individuals to register in a central Talent Bank and apply for roles that match their skills. Employers can post vacancies and manage applications via a streamlined, customisable platform.
The system monitors candidate progress, pinpoints where individuals tend to drop out, and delivers tailored support where needed. This allows RFA and its partners to provide timely, targeted interventions that help candidates stay engaged and on course.
“We are delighted to be collaborating with Transport for Wales,” said Gabriella Ellison, CEO at RFA. “Their backing allows us to expand our reach and continue the work of challenging stigma, building confidence, and unlocking opportunities for individuals to transform their lives and that of their communities.”
Even more support
Later on in June, RFA announced that three further transport firms had joined its cause, with Merseyrail, Go Ahead, and Angel Trains all committing to helping create jobs and provide training.
“As a company we are built on innovation and sustainability, so giving people a second chance in life to make a difference that benefits others makes complete sense to us,” said Angel Trains’ Malcolm Brown. “That’s why we are proud to join forces with the RFA to tap into what will hopefully be a highly motivated group, breaking that cycle of reoffending and helping improve Britain’s railways now and for the future.”
Neil Grabham, managing director at Merseyrail, added: “We are delighted to be a founding member of the RFA. For over 20 years, Merseyrail have been at the heart of the communities we serve, driving growth, providing jobs, and supporting those that live and work across our region.
“Inclusion is at the heart of this and from delivering world-leading service to customers who need assistance to travel to vocal support of marginalised groups, we have actively sought opportunities to listen, engage and empower. This new partnership will build on that, aiming to break the cycle of reoffending by providing people with meaningful and rewarding employment, helping them to rebuild their future.”
Indeed, in July RFA announced that it had brokered a partnership between Merseyrail, the Department for Work and Pensions, and charitable organisation Inside Connections to deliver a series of bespoke courses in preparation for employment across the Liverpool region.
The programme combined in-depth skills training, values-driven education, and hands-on experiences to equip candidates for careers in the transport sector. It encompassed key workplace essentials such as Health and Safety, teamwork, and professional communication, and also featured training tailored to Merseyrail’s company values, giving candidates an insight into the standards and culture of a leading UK transport operator.
Merseyrail also provided a guided tour of its network and facilities allowing participants including care leavers and ex-offenders to visualise themselves in a professional environment – a first for many in attendance.
Breaking down barriers
The work of RFA and its partners is both commendable and vital. It not only taps a valuable resource pool for rail industry recruitment but also makes a tangible difference to people’s lives.
Mark Libby, regional manager (North East) at Centre for Social Justice, is well placed to comment on the importance of the initiative. Having served time in prison himself, he has made the most of the opportunities presented to him since his release and now works hard to improve the prospects of those who find themselves in similar circumstances.
“Prison is a huge waste of time and talent, the waste remaining long after release,” he says. “The hardest time of my sentence started when I returned home. As a prison leaver I know firsthand the burning desire to rebuild, and the crushing reality of the barriers preventing this being achieved.
“Many of those I met were competent and capable, potential assets to any industry or employer. More so, these people were resilient, driven and intrinsically motivated to prove themselves. Loyal, eager and grateful, yet too often denied opportunity through no fault in their ability.
“Rebuilding Futures Alliance offers a pathway to harness this workforce. A chance not just for the prison leaver, but for employers to strengthen their organisation and add value to their business.”
Image credit: RFA
