Executive Summary

United Engineering and Contracting Ltd (UENCO) is a small, values-driven construction company based in the Midlands. Rooted in a belief that every individual deserves a second chance, UENCO intends to pilot a Social Reintegration Employment Initiative aimed at supporting ex-offenders to reintegrate into society through meaningful employment in construction. This pilot will test a structured, small-scale employment and mentoring framework inspired by the ‘Mind the Gap’ model. If proven successful, UENCO will formalise it as company policy and seek partnerships to expand its impact across the region.

Aims

1. Provide structured employment or apprenticeships for up to 5 ex-offenders within 12 months.

2. Deliver trade and soft-skills training with one-to-one mentoring.

3. Establish partnerships with probation services and training bodies.

4. Evaluate the pilot’s outcomes and social value for long-term policy adoption.

Rationale & Context

The UK construction industry continues to face significant skills shortages. Research has shown that ex-offenders who secure stable employment are far less likely to reoffend. Building on insights from the ‘Mind the Gap’ programme, UENCO aims to pilot a small-scale, locally managed model that can be replicated by other SME contractors.

Conclusion

The Social Reintegration Employment Pilot represents a practical, human-centred response to both industry skills gaps and social inequality. Through a blend of psychological insight and construction mentorship, UENCO aims to demonstrate measurable social value and inspire a wider cultural shift in inclusive employment across the Midlands construction sector