How inclusive hiring can break down doors for overlooked talent

Giles was joined by James Fellowes (Founder) and Chance Bleu-Montgomery (Partners Support Manager) at Bridge of Hope for a webinar on their unique take on inclusive hiring! We’ve shared the stage with Bridge of Hope a few times and it’s always inspiring.

Watch the recording below, or read through our summary! 👇

About Bridge of Hope

Bridge of Hope focusses on inclusive hiring. Their mission is to connect marginalised individuals - such as ex-offenders, returning mothers, older workers, and others facing barriers to employment - with meaningful job opportunities. Bridge of Hope achieves this through a dedicated job board and consultancy service that helps employers tap into this underrepresented talent pool.

How Bridge of Hope facilitates inclusive hiring

Bridge of Hope plays a vital role in making inclusive hiring easier for businesses. The platform acts as a connector, linking companies with candidates who come from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds. It offers a streamlined way for employers to access a diverse talent pool and helps them overcome some of the challenges associated with traditional hiring practices.

James and Chance work directly with employers to provide education and support around inclusive hiring practices. This includes:

• Training: Offering guidance to hiring managers on how to evaluate candidates fairly and without bias.
• Support services: Working with employers to ensure they have the resources in place to support individuals from untapped talent pools, whether that’s through mentoring, on-the-job training, or mental health support.
• Consulting: Helping companies reassess their hiring practices, making sure that job descriptions, interview processes, and workplace policies don’t inadvertently exclude individuals from diverse backgrounds.

The benefits of inclusive hiring

Before we dive into how inclusive hiring works and how Bridge of Hope supports these efforts, it’s important to understand why this approach is so beneficial for businesses.

1. Improved loyalty and retention: Employees who have faced barriers to employment, such as ex-offenders or veterans, often show immense loyalty to organisations that give them a second chance. By offering them an opportunity to prove their value, companies are likely to see increased retention rates, as these individuals are highly motivated and appreciative of the chance they’ve been given.

2. A new pool of skills and perspectives: Inclusive hiring taps into people with unique skills and experiences that traditional candidates may not have. Veterans, for example, bring strong leadership and teamwork skills developed through military service, while ex-offenders often have a high level of resilience and adaptability.

3. Innovation through diversity: By including individuals from different backgrounds, businesses create a more diverse working environment, which leads to enhanced problem-solving and creativity. When a team consists of people with varied perspectives and life experiences, it naturally fosters innovation.

4. Corporate responsibility and community impact: Companies that embrace inclusive hiring not only benefit their own workforce but also contribute positively to their communities. By hiring from untapped talent pools, businesses help reduce unemployment rates among marginalised groups and break the cycle of poverty or reoffending.

Overcoming stigma and barriers

Despite the many benefits of inclusive hiring, there are still barriers that prevent businesses from fully embracing this approach. One of the main challenges is overcoming the stigma attached to groups like ex-offenders or those with mental health challenges. This stigma can prevent companies from seeing the true potential these candidates bring to the table.

That’s where James and Chance’s work at Bridge of Hope becomes essential. They work with employers to help them understand the value of these individuals, providing guidance on how to integrate them into the workforce. Through education and advocacy, James and Chance break down the misconceptions that often surround marginalised groups.

For example, many businesses fear hiring ex-offenders due to concerns about trust or safety. However, studies have shown that individuals with a criminal record are just as reliable, if not more so, than other employees. They often feel a strong sense of loyalty to the company that gave them a second chance and are eager to prove themselves.

Similarly, individuals with disabilities or mental health challenges may face discrimination or unconscious bias during the hiring process. However, with the right support, these individuals can thrive in the workplace and bring fresh perspectives that contribute to the overall success of the company.

Real-world impact

The impact of inclusive hiring can be transformative, not just for the individuals being hired but for the organisations that embrace it. Businesses that have partnered with Bridge of Hope have reported significant improvements in employee engagement, retention, and overall company culture.

One notable example comes from an organisation that hired ex-offenders through Bridge of Hope. The company found that these individuals were some of the most dedicated and hardworking employees on the team. Their motivation to succeed, combined with the support provided by Bridge of Hope, resulted in a loyal, productive workforce that added tremendous value to the business.

Inclusive hiring is not just a social responsibility - it’s a strategic business decision. By working with platforms like Bridge of Hope, businesses can access a wealth of untapped talent and create a more diverse, innovative, and resilient workforce. The work James and Chance are doing to support employers and candidates alike is pivotal in breaking down barriers, reducing stigma, and proving that inclusive hiring is a win-win for everyone.

If your organisation is ready to take the next step towards inclusive hiring, consider reaching out to Bridge of Hope to explore how you can embrace this valuable talent pool.