We're hiring: Employment Coach We're looking for someone empathetic and organised to support women with convictions to find work.

You’ll work one-to-one with women to build confidence, shape CVs, support job applications, and help them take steps towards employment 💼

If you’re motivated by helping women move forward in their careers, this could be the role for you.

bit.ly/4dZ5Xdm

⏰ Deadline extended: Employment Coach

There’s still time to join Working Chance ✨

We’re looking for someone passionate about supporting women with convictions into work and helping them overcome barriers to employment.

👇

Minimum wage rises to £12.71 an hour as firms warn of impact Many businesses have said they will have to pass higher wage costs onto customers.

This is good news for low-paid workers - particularly women, who are twice as likely as men to be in low-paid work. But while this should be an important boost at a time when every pound counts, the reality is that for too many women, any relief is likely to be short-lived.

The Howard League | What is changing under the Sentencing Act 2026? And when? Dr Helen Churcher blogs about forthcoming changes to be introduced under the Sentencing Act 2026.

What is changing under the Sentencing Act 2026? And when?

Our blogpost summarises this important legislation, highlighting the key changes and how they will be implemented: howardleague.org/blog/what-is-changing-un...

✨ Join our team ✨

Want a role where you genuinely change women’s lives?

We’re looking for an Employment Coach to support women leaving the justice system to rebuild their confidence, gain skills and move into work.

💼 Full-time
📅 Closing Monday 13 April

workingchance.org/latest/emplo...

New Employment Rights Act ‘a huge boost for women in the workplace’ Government says new rights for parental leave and sick pay will increase equality and economic growth Women will disproportionately benefit from new workers’ rights measures rolled out from next month, according to research. The TUC said approximately 4.7 million women are to benefit from stronger sick pay from April, including more than 830,000 who will receive statutory sick pay for the first time. These are the lowest-paid women, who are currently not eligible to receive sick pay because they earn below the threshold of £125 a week, the study found. The TUC said low-paid workers, especially women, have missed out on any form of sick pay for too long, leaving them with no choice but to go into work when they are ill. As well as stronger sick pay, from April fathers and partners will have a day-one right to paternity leave, and all parents will gain the day-one right to unpaid parental leave under changes from the Employment Rights Act. Paul Nowak, the TUC general secretary, said: “For too long women have borne the brunt of a sick pay system that is not fit for purpose, and a culture of exploitative, insecure work. “That’s why the Employment Rights Act is an important step forward for women at work.” A government spokesperson said: “The Employment Rights Act is a huge boost for women in the workplace – introducing enhanced protections for pregnant women and new mothers, menopause action plans for large employers and rights for parental leave from day one. “Women thriving in the workplace is not just important for equality but for boosting economic growth.” Shared parental leave, which allows parents to share up to 50 weeks of leave and up to 37 weeks of pay after the birth or adoption of a child, was introduced in 2014. New fathers can take two weeks’ paid leave at a rate of either £187.18 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lowest. Research last year found that mothers lose an average of £65,618 in pay by the time their first child turns five, as the “motherhood penalty” risks their financial security. Mums in England are hit by a “substantial and long-lasting reduction” in their pay after they have children, as they become less likely to stay in paid employment, the Office for National Statistics found. It found women’s average monthly earnings had fallen by 42%, or £1,051 per month, five years after the birth of their first child, compared with their pay one year before the birth. This equated to a loss of £65,618 over five years, according to the analysis, which tracked pay data from 2014 to 2022. Continue reading...

New Employment Rights Act ‘a huge boost for women in the workplace’

We're looking for a new Chair of Trustees We're looking for a new Chair of Trustees to take Working Chance to the next stage in its development and growth.

Only a few days left to apply for the role of Chair at Working Chance ⏰

This is a unique chance to lead and make a real difference for women with convictions.

Share this with anyone who should see it!

workingchance.org/latest/chair...

We're looking for a new Chair of Trustees We're looking for a new Chair of Trustees to take Working Chance to the next stage in its development and growth.

Only a few days left to apply for the role of Chair at Working Chance ⏰

This is a unique chance to lead and make a real difference for women with convictions.

Share this with anyone who should see it!

workingchance.org/latest/chair...

This week for International Women’s Day, we’ve been celebrating women and championing fair chances at work for those with convictions. ✨

We’ve been out and about, sparking conversations, spreading a bit of inspiration, and celebrating the impact of creating employment opportunities for women.

We’re looking for an inspiring and committed Chair to lead our Board and help guide the direction of Working Chance.

📹 Watch this short video featuring Natasha (Chief Executive), Lin (Chair), and Trustees Ami and Renata to find out more.

Deadline: 9am Monday 16 March

bit.ly/4cCuF2y

📧 Follow women's journeys to work and the employers making their hiring more inclusive

Our newsletter shares updates on the employers we’re working with, the progress they’re making, and the women moving into work with confidence.

workingchance.org/newsletter-s...

Having a conviction doesn’t just affect the past. It has lasting barriers to work, confidence & self-esteem.

We help women with convictions build the skills they need to take steps towards employment. And it works. 94% of women say we’ve improved their confidence to look for and apply for jobs.

It’s Trustees’ Week, and to mark the occasion we asked our board: What change do you most want to see in society for women with convictions?

Watch the clip to find out what they said. 👇

HMP & YOI Bronzefield – HM Inspectorate of Prisons We use some essential cookies to make this service work.

A recent #inspection revealed that 'many #women at #HMP Bronzefield were not released to sustainable #accommodation' upon release. #prisoners

Women in prison have significantly higher rates of harmful substance use than men.

They face greater health and social care needs and experience dependence & treatment differently. These figures highlight the need for services and initiatives tailored to the unique challenges women in prison face.

We’re trapped in a narrow conversation about trust and policing.

Instead of continuing to invest in policing reforms and solutions that do not work, let’s instead consider community initiatives that we know work to reduce crime - pastoral care, youth workers, mental health support.

Though 2.2% of the working-age population, Black women hold just 1.5% of leadership roles — and a conviction makes the barriers even steeper. 📉

That gap reflects racism, sexism, and systemic inequality.

This Black History Month, let’s think intersectionally, rethink hiring, and commit to equity.

Probation “weak” and short of 3,150 staff The National Audit Office finds that since reunification, probation performance has declined, with significant staffing shortfalls and high workloads.

Probation "weak" and short of 3,150 staff
The National Audit Office finds that since reunification, probation performance has declined, with significant staffing shortfalls and high workloads.
www.russellwebster.com/probation-we...

Black History Month is a reflection of the political moment, so how do we revamp it? The aim is to address systemic and institutional racism but those efforts need the space to expand not shrink

Black History Month is a reflection of the political moment, so how do we revamp it?

After hundreds of FairChecks supporters wrote to Lord Chancellor David Lammy calling for fairer criminal records checks, we received a response from Lord Timpson.

🔗Read the full letter here - and join the movement, if you haven't already! fairchecks.org.uk/lord-timpson...

A huge thank you for your support through the Big Give 💸

You raised over £17k — and every penny will go towards empowering women with convictions to build brighter futures.

Thank you for standing with us and believing in women's potential. ✨

Black history month: This Black History Month, we stand in solidarity with Black women navigating these intersecting injustices.

We stand in solidarity with Black women navigating these intersecting injustices, challenging inequality and advocating for a future where every woman with a conviction has a fair chance to rebuild her life through work.

In Black History Month, we reflect on injustices that persist.

Black women are more likely than white women to receive prison sentences for the same offence — and the impact doesn’t end there. Racism and the stigma of a criminal record make fair employment even harder to access.

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A megaphone with text that says: The far right have never been concerned with 'protecting women and girls'. It was always a cover for their racism. We say ENOUGH! The weaponisation of violence against women is #NotInOurName

These awful acts of violence against women and girls are enabled by racist narratives that are being endorsed and legitimised by those in the highest positions of power, who claim to be concerned with 'protecting women and girls from violence' - they are not.

Women and Girls Match Fund 2025: Campaign Video (#WGMF) YouTube video by Big Give

200+ charities. One mission. Endless impact. 💜

From 8–15 Oct, the #WGMF will support over 200 incredible charities empowering women and girls worldwide. Every pound you give can be doubled, making your support go twice as far.

Watch to find out more: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tzy7...

🗓️ From 12pm on 8 October – 12pm on 15 October, your donation will be automatically doubled, to help women with convictions rebuild their confidence and self-worth, for many the first step in finding work.

Sign up now for a reminder when the Big Give starts 👇

workingchance.org/latest/save-...

Amina’s story: the justice system, faith, and carrying shame Amina grew up in a close-knit Muslim family with her mum and two younger sisters. As the eldest daughter, it was important to her to work hard and excel academically. She earned a science degree and l...

“Sitting there in my headscarf as a very visible Muslim woman, there’s a lot of shame there for me.” - Amina, Working Chance client

Amina faced the justice system after leaving an abusive relationship. With Working Chance, she’s rebuilt her confidence and is back teaching.

👇
bit.ly/466M1PV

“I had my interview and got the job the same day! I was so happy! I never thought I'd get back into work.” – Amina

We help women with convictions build confidence, restore hope and find employment.

Looking for work, education or training after a conviction? 👇

workingchance.org/get-support/

Four years on: Neurodiversity in prisons – HM Inspectorate of Prisons We use some essential cookies to make this service work.

Inspectors suggest that #neurodivergent #prisoners are still not identified early enough and support for them to achieve positive outcomes is variable.

While prisons recognise the value of education, training and purposeful activity, delivering it is another story. Barriers like staff shortages and limited resources often get in the way.

publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld5901/ld...