Sir Richard Branson – The Mark of a True Leader
Setting an example through Virgin Trains, Sir Richard Branson has urged the nation’s leaders to nurture the country’s entrepreneurial spirit by making a concerted effort to hire ex-prisoners.
Stating that – “Business must become a stronger advocate for rehabilitation”, the transport business, which is part-owned by the billionaire entrepreneur has hired 30 ex-offenders over the past three years, and 25 are still employed by the firm in various roles.
Virgin Trains has launched a toolkit that offers advice to businesses seeking to employ individuals that have been found on the wrong side of the law. The firm said none of the former offenders it has hired has committed any more crimes.
Talking about Virgin Trains’ initiative, Sir Branson said: “Business must become a stronger advocate for rehabilitation. It makes perfect sense, as it increases the talent pool, reduces reoffending, nurtures entrepreneurial spirit, and contributes to safer communities.
“Ex-prisoners should have the chance to learn from the mistakes of their past, not be damned by them. I’m delighted that Virgin Trains has taken on the challenge of hiring ex-offenders so successfully. It was great to meet one of our employees from the scheme, Tammy, and see how well she is getting on in her role.”
One inspirational story is of 23-year-old Tammy Moreton from Birmingham who is now an apprentice revenue protection inspector for Virgin Trains, having spent two years in and out of prison, in a job that sees her clamp down on fare dodgers. “I thought I would spend my life in and out of prison. But bit by bit I decided to take matters into my own hands and turn my life around. I was incredibly proud when I was offered the apprenticeship at Virgin Trains and another chance at life.
“Since being employed, my life has really changed; I’m now mentoring other ex-offenders to find employment too. I am determined to put my past behind me and embrace this new future.”
