Over the past few years, Shannon Trust has undergone a significant period of growth. This has allowed us to help many more people experience the positive impact of learning.
As we look to the future, we continue to prioritise our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. This applies to everyone Shannon Trust's work touches. We want everyone, no matter their background, to have access to the resources, support and opportunities they need to thrive. We recognise that what’s needed won’t be the same for everyone.
We know that diversity brings us strength and improves our understanding of different life experiences. Shannon Trust operates throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland, in prisons and local communities. This means we work in different cultures, with varying perspectives and experiences. Our organisation is committed to reflecting this wide variety, and ensuring every voice is valued and heard.
Inclusion means having a culture where everyone feels welcome, respected and supported, without discrimination or bias. We’re supportive and non-judgmental, and we value the individual, collaboration and inventiveness.
Belonging takes this a step further. At Shannon Trust, we strive for a culture where everyone – whether they’re a learner, mentor, volunteer or staff member – feels safe and accepted, integral to the work we do, and connected to our vision.
We’ve been living these values since Shannon Trust began in 2001. Christopher Morgan and Tom Shannon saw the high rates of illiteracy in prisons. But, they also recognised the potential of those in prison who could read. This insight sparked the idea of peer-led learning, encouraging people in prison who could read to draw on their individual experiences and backgrounds to teach others. This, they found, changed lives and futures of learners and mentors, of their families and communities - and it continues to do so.
This principle of recognising everyone’s potential was part of Shannon Trust’s decision to become a ‘Ban the Box’ employer in June 2022.
‘Ban the Box’ is a campaign to help people with criminal convictions find jobs and re-enter the workplace. It was launched in the UK in 2013 by organisations including Business in the Community and Unlock. Its aim is to increase fair chance recruitment practices, where people aren’t automatically excluded from roles (or don’t apply) because they must tick ‘yes’ to an application question about convictions.
As a ‘Ban the Box’ employer, we don’t ask applicants to declare any convictions at the application or interview stage. We only ever ask for this information later if it’s necessary for the role. For example, where security clearance from the prison service is required for the job. We know that convictions can be historic or irrelevant to the job opportunity. By banning the box, we hope that potential employees can feel confident they are being considered on their merits first.
We also want to take every step possible to support those with convictions into meaningful employment. Having work can help people feel they have a place in our society. It’s a significant factor in reducing reoffending and contributes to the livelihoods of individuals and communities.
At Shannon Trust, we've seen firsthand how lived experiences can inform and contribute to what we do. Our work would not be possible without the support of mentors, and our learning programmes wouldn't be effective without the insights of learners and mentors. We are constantly improving based on their feedback. They know what works best for them. This is one of so many examples of where lived experience enhances the work we do. We exist to support people to learn to read and improve other basic skills. Most of that work is currently done in the criminal justice system. So, it makes sense that we would learn from those who have experienced it themselves.
We are realistic about the challenges that come with recruiting people with criminal convictions to work in the criminal justice sector. But we know that it's important. Our success in recruiting staff members with lived experience reflects our commitment to overcoming these challenges. We are always looking at ways we can do more.
You can find out more about ‘Ban the Box’ at Ban the Box - Unlock and Ban the Box - Business in the Community.
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