We believe every person has the power to reshape their future - no matter where they’ve come from.
FoundryPath is a recruitment and training company built to solve two urgent problems: reoffending and workforce shortages.
Founded by someone who’s lived both sides of the prison system — and gone on to build a successful business — we know exactly what it takes to turn potential into performance.
We train candidates inside prison in job-ready skills and deploy them straight into work on release.
The people we place aren’t charity hires — they’re prepared, motivated, and supported from day one.
Employers trust us because we get results:
Reliable, loyal team members
Faster hiring with less risk
Real social impact, backed by structure
If you’re struggling to find good people — we have them.
They’ve done the work. We’ve built the path. You just have to open the door.
Statistics show nearly 70% of people leaving prison are still without work six months after their release.
The construction sector is facing growing skills shortages, estimating the need for 225,000 new operatives by 2027. Hiring prison leavers helps fill these gaps while building a diverse pipeline.
Starting October 2025, the Procurement Policy Note 002 (PPN 002) mandates that at least 10% of tender scoring for central governent contracts be allocated to social value outcomes.
Only 17% of ex-offenders find a job within a year of release - creating a rare opportunity for employers to access motivated individuals others ignore.
Ex-offenders tend to demonstrate exceptional loyalty, recognising their job as a lifeline. Employers often report higher retention, excellent attendance, and strong performance among these hires. For example, Timpson - where ex-offenders make up around 10% of staff - hightlights higher retention as one of the key reasons the model works.
A Word From Our Founder:
“When I left prison, I didn’t have a clear path.
I didn’t have a job lined up, or someone opening a door for me.
I had to create my own opportunity — and I did.
That journey led me to start a business, rebuild my life, and prove that people who’ve been written off still have massive value to offer.
FoundryPath exists because I know there are so many others like me — ready to work, ready to change, but held back by a system that doesn’t know how to say yes.
We’re here to give them the chance I never had.
We train people inside prison and connect them directly to employers who are open-minded, forward-thinking, and serious about solving real workforce challenges.
If you're ready to hire differently and lead change — we’re ready to partner with you.”
— Founder, FoundryPath
Our Core Values:
1. Second Chances Are Earned & Deserved
We believe in the power of redemption. Every person we train has put in the work to change their future — and we’re here to back them.
2. Real Work, Real Results
We don’t offer vague promises or token gestures. We prepare people for real jobs and deliver real outcomes for employers.
3. Lived Experience Leads the Way
Our approach is built by people who’ve walked the path — not just studied it. That insight keeps us honest, focused, and effective.
4. Respect Is Non-Negotiable
We treat every candidate, employer, and partner with dignity. We expect the same in return.
5. We Show Up
We don’t wait for the perfect system — we create solutions that work today. We get things done, especially when it’s hard.
6. Progress Over Perfection
We measure success in action and change, not headlines. Every job, every week worked, every life moved forward — that’s our progress.
7. We’re Building Stronger Futures
Not just for prison leavers — but for families, workplaces, and communities. The ripple effect matters.
Our Vision: National Impact Through Employment
At FoundryPath, we aim to partner with forward-thinking businesses across the UK - from local firms to national employers - who are ready to tap into an overlooked but highly motivated talent pool.
Every year in the UK, more than 75,000 people are released from prison. The majority want to work, rebuild, and contribute — but face huge barriers to doing so. Research shows that employment reduces the risk of reoffending by up to 33%, making it one of the most powerful tools we have for real rehabilitation.
But here’s the problem:
Less than 20% of prison leavers have a job to go to upon release
Many employers are unsure where to start — or how to offer a second chance safely and effectively
Talent is being missed, and potential wasted
We’re here to change that.