Description
Co-hosted by FCBA, KPMG and East Midlands Chamber.
As the East Midlands continues to establish itself as a national hub for innovation and industrial resilience, the greatest challenge remains the widening skills gap that threatens our regional growth. To address this, we must look beyond traditional recruitment and tap into the 'Waiting Workforce', a vast, underutilised talent pool of 10 million (by 2028) working-age people in the UK who hold a criminal record.
Fair Chance Business Alliance (FCBA) and KPMG are pleased to invite you to The Waiting Workforce: Fair Chance Hiring in the East Midlands, an event dedicated to showing how inclusive recruitment is no longer just a social exercise, but a vital strategic advantage.
By adopting the Fair Chance Charter, businesses across the region are not only solving their staffing needs but are driving generational social mobility and strengthening the economic fabric of communities.
We hope you will join us to explore how your organisation can turn this untapped potential into your next competitive edge.
Overview
East Midlands Opportunity – Key Facts
* 6 in 10 regional employers report difficulty finding suitable candidates.
* Over 100,000 vacancies across construction, engineering, and logistics in the region.
* 1 in 4 working-age adults in the UK has a criminal record (>10 million) - larger than Greater London.
* Retention benefits gain: Employers report longer tenure and high performance among fair chance hires.
* Region-wide need: East Midlands requires ~3,500 extra construction workers per year to meet demand.
Outcome
Good for East Midlands Communities and SMEs
* Boosts SME resilience: Filling shortages helps stabilize local supply chains.
* Improved productivity: Stable, motivated staff lower operational risk.
* Social value uplift: Reoffending costs the UK £26bn p/a - employment
* Inclusive growth: Providing opportunity aligns with East Midlands’ “Get Working” plan, targeting 80% employment by 2035.
Why Attend?
* Gain practical steps on removing barriers to opportunity through the Fair Chance Charter
* Consolidate the business case for fair chances
* Hear from successful fair chance hiring businesses
* Deepen your understanding of the benefits of fair chances
* Network with peers tackling the same workforce challenges
