The greatest waste in life is wasted potential.
For many prison leavers, the chance to make a fresh start—through stable employment and a fair wage—can be the difference between reoffending and reintegrating into society. Unfortunately, many employers are hesitant to offer these opportunities due to perceived risk and lack of knowledge.
At Kenny Waste Management Social Enterprise, we’re changing the narrative. Founded with a mission to provide meaningful employment to those who need it most, including prison leavers, we’re proud to offer opportunities that work for everyone. That’s how we’ve created a win-win-win scenario with our partners:
- We help individuals get back on their feet and contribute back to society.
- We help close the skills gap by training up motivated new recruits eager for opportunity.
- We help our customers achieve their Social Value targets by investing in those deemed “hard to employ”.
In 2022-23, the average prison place in England & Wales cost the taxpayer £51,724—essential funds that could have been invested in improving public services or addressing the country’s housing and infrastructure needs. By providing the right opportunity to encourage potential reoffenders to take responsibility for their own lives, we can help these individuals be self-sufficient, contributing positively to their communities.
Last week, our team attended the Future Skills Programme (FSP) Review Workshop at The Nest in Wythenshawe, an event that brought together training providers, employers, and leaders from HMPPS (HM Prison and Probation Service). Hosted by Senior Prison Education Service Leader Jack O’Sullivan, the workshop highlighted the importance of preparing people for a fresh start. By creating real pathways to employment, the FSP is helping individuals nearing release gain valuable skills and rebuild their futures.
Our Social Enterprise has been a proud supporter of the FSP, working closely with Complete Skills Solutions and HMPPS to offer paid work trials for participants like Les. Les, who has faced a challenging journey with over 30 sentences since the 1970s, attended the workshop as part of our group. Hearing his story in person was powerful—Les spoke openly about the hope and purpose he’s found in his training and the support he’s received to overcome the difficulties of resettlement.
UK prisons are already heavily overcrowded, and employers can help address this issue by giving those who have served their time a second chance. For Les, and many others in the FSP, a genuine opportunity to succeed can be life-changing. Feedback from the workshop underscored both successes and areas to strengthen, and we’re optimistic that these insights will spark practical changes to further support positive resettlement outcomes.
At Kenny Waste Management Social Enterprise, it’s our firm belief that the greatest waste is wasted potential. We’re committed to creating opportunities for those who want to move forward, and we’re proud to play a part in this programme’s mission. Together with our partners, we’re working toward a future where no potential goes to waste.
