Maximus UK has signed up to the Ban the Box campaign as part of its commitment to inclusive recruitment.
The national campaign from Business in the Community intends to create a fair chance for ex-offenders to compete for jobs and bringing down the £15 billion a year cost of reoffending.
It is backed by more than 125 employers with a combined workforce of about 832,000, including the Civil Service, Boots and Virgin Trains.
Applicants for roles with Maximus UK will no longer be required to declare whether they have a criminal record when applying online, or through recruitment partners.
Instead, questions will be incorporated in phone interviews to provide applicants with an opportunity to explain prior convictions and provide additional context.
Legally required checks for regulated roles as defined by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) will remain in place, where needed.
Maximus already supports thousands of individuals into sustainable employment through its employment support programmes each year. A significant proportion of these people have criminal records.
We also work with thousands of UK employers to help them understand that more inclusive recruitment processes (including for ex-offenders) can make real business sense and widen their access to talent.
Dr Paul Williams, Maximus UK Division President said:
“At Maximus, we understand the transformative effect of employment and the importance of an inclusive workplace.
“While acknowledging the sensitive nature of our work, we are committed to Ban the Box. Our action should give individuals who have prior convictions confidence that their application will be judged on skills and experience, rather than a tick box about their past.”
Jessica Rose, Business in the Community’s campaign manager said:
“Two thirds of employers admit to discriminating against people with criminal records, but the employers we work with recognise the skills and loyalty this diverse group of people can bring to their roles.
“Removing the barrier of a tick box can make all the difference to someone deciding to apply to your company or not, and we need more forward-thinking employers to join the campaign to help stop the cycle of reoffending.”
For more information, visit www.bitc.org.uk/banthebox
