Maximus is committed to removing barriers to employment and supporting individuals to lead more independent lives.
For many, particularly those with previous criminal convictions, finding work can be a significant challenge. Navigating multiple services can make the path to employment feel overwhelming – particularly for those leaving prison.
Delivering tailored support
Through our Community Partnership Network (CPN), we collaborate with more than 300 local organisations to deliver tailored, community-based support to our participants. Among our valued partners is Offploy CIC, a social enterprise dedicated to helping people with criminal convictions access meaningful and sustainable employment.
Offploy’s online training courses have deepened our advisors’ understanding of the criminal justice system, equipping them with the knowledge to better support participants.
Our advisors are able to use Offploy’s free disclosure calculator to determine when convictions become spent, helping participants navigate the disclosure process with potential employers.
Over the course of four contact hours, our advisors offer comprehensive support to participants by calculating when convictions become spent, clarifying any ongoing legal restrictions, and providing tailored recommendations for additional support. Advisors also assist in drafting disclosure statements and offer guidance on how and when to disclose convictions to potential employers, ensuring participants are prepared and confident throughout their job search.
Since the start of our partnership three years ago, more than 250 participants have been referred to Offploy to receive dedicated one-to-one support to help them progress towards employment and wellbeing goals.
Developing new solutions
Our collaboration with Offploy continues to grow with the launch of a new pilot project in Leeds, aimed at tackling the housing and homelessness challenges often faced by individuals with an offending background.
Through the pilot, participants are provided with six weeks of personalised, one-to-one support designed to help them find long-term, secure housing. Primarily targeted at those recently released from prison, living in temporary accommodation, in rent arrears or facing eviction, the pilot offers a comprehensive package of wrap-around support, including:
- Housing navigation: Guidance through the housing process with the Local Authority or Private Rental Sector
- Tenancy readiness: Support to prepare for and sustain independent living
- Private rental sector access: Help with property searches, landlord engagement, and understanding tenancy agreements
- Tenant education: Understanding rights and responsibilities as a tenant
By offering tailored advice and guidance based on each individual’s circumstances, the pilot is helping to remove housing barriers while supporting the participant on their journey towards long-term reintegration. Alongside this, it offers holistic support from both Maximus and Offploy to address wider issues such as poor mental health, money management and, crucially, job search support.
Working in partnership
Reflecting on the growing partnership, Joe Prest, Operations Director of Offploy CIC, said: “Being part of Maximus’ Community Partnership Network has been a game-changer for Offploy. Through the Restart Scheme and beyond, we’ve connected with hundreds of people ready to turn their lives around – and together, we’ve helped them do just that. Maximus is more than just a delivery partner – they’re a driving force for positive change. Their passion, professionalism and genuine commitment to inclusion inspire us every day. We are incredibly proud of the Offploy team and all our partners across the CPN who work tirelessly to make brighter futures a reality for those who need it most.”
Charis Green, Head of Community Partnerships at Maximus, added: “The Offploy mentors we work alongside, consistently demonstrate a compassionate approach in tackling the complex challenges faced by ex-offenders. Many of Offploy’s mentors bring lived experience of the justice system, enabling them to build deep trust and deliver tailored, empathic support to our participants. In addition, practical support such as tailored CV writing and disclosure guidance, personal to the individual complements holistic, life-changing care provided by mentors.
“Our partnership with Offploy CIC reflects our shared commitment to building an inclusive, informed, and effective employment support system. Together, we are driving social change and transforming lives across the country.”
