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Over the last 12 months, AI has developed a successful new relationship with Disclosure Scotland and its Scotland Works for You alliance.

Scotland Works for You aims to secure opportunities for people with convictions to lead positive, healthy lives that contribute to society. The group, which was started in 2017, aims to both reduce the stigma of having a conviction and to remove the barriers that stand in the way of integration. It works by providing employment and education opportunities for individuals with convictions.

“These aims sit comfortably with our own, and have led to collaborations in a number of areas,” says Mark Phillips, who manages AI’s Passport and Encompass projects. “For example, we asked Disclosure Scotland staff to provide information sessions at both HMYOI Polmont and 156 Cowgate. In return, AI has been able to play a key partner role in the design and delivery of a new Disclosure of Offences training package that supports safe and fair decision making in this area. It is hoped that this will become a key resource for employers, employability professionals and clients.”

“Working in partnership with Access to Industry has been refreshing,” says a representative from Disclosure Scotland. “Having input from the people who face challenges in securing employment has given real impact to our training. The continued involvement of Access to Industry in this process will not only enhance our product but will help us reach out to those employers who would benefit most from the training.”