The RFA is delighted to announce the support and partnership of Transport for Wales.
They have become the first transport combined authority to support our mission and becoming a partner to help further our mission of building inclusive pathways into employment for those individuals facing barriers with low-level convictions.
Transport for Wales (TfW), a Welsh Government-owned not-for-profit organisation and is committed to supporting wider social and economic outcomes through its work.
TfW is committed to social responsibility and community impact and helping RFA continue its work tackling the transport industry’s skills gap by supporting those from marginalised groups secure sustainable careers.
TfW's support will play a vital role in advancing key initiatives led by the RFA and as a partner they will help with employer engagement and advocacy efforts, particularly through TfW’s procurement framework, to drive meaningful change across the wider transport sector.
A central element of this support includes the implementation of the RFA's automated tracking system, ensuring every candidate and employer is guided through the process and supported to achieve the best possible outcomes.
The system will not only deliver practical results but also generate rich data to demonstrate the programme’s real impact, helping to change lives and build stronger communities across the areas TfW serves.
“We are delighted to be collaborating with Transport for Wales,” said Gabriella Ellison, CEO,RFA. “Their backing allows us to expand our reach and continue the work of challenging stigma, building confidence, and unlocking opportunities for individuals to transform their lives and that of their communities.”
Tina Rees, Head of Recruitment and Onboarding at Transport for Wales said: “We are committed to improving the diversity and inclusivity of our workforce and we've already seen success with our pathways programme, which supports ex-offenders in re-entering the workplace through our Routes into Employment placement scheme. It focuses on rehabilitation back into a working environment, building relationships, understanding our business and developing key employability skills.
"This initiative aligns with our strategic commitments, and we are pleased to partner with the Rebuilding Futures Alliance, a leading ex-offender charity, to create a framework and toolkits that incorporates best practices for attracting and retaining individuals with convictions.
"The partnership will enable us to provide paid placements in the workplace, equipping participants with essential employability skills aimed at rehabilitation and preventing re-offending in the future.
“We’re delighted to support the RFA and look forward to working together to transform lives, reduce re-offending and create pathways to employment opportunities.”
We are proud to be supported by many influential figures within the rail industry, whose backing under scores the strength and credibility of our vision.
Lord Peter Hendy CBE, Minister of State for Rail, said: “Railway 200 is not just a celebration of the past, but also of the present and future. The year-long celebration provides a great opportunity to highlight the vital role the rail industry plays in creating jobs and opportunities across Britain.
“It is crucial to continue embracing diversity and expanding access to careers in rail, and the Rebuilding Futures Alliance could play a key role in this.”
Peter Wilkinson, Major Rail Projects Director for Department for Transport, said: “The RFA is making the case for a fairer society and one that is more forgiving to those of us who have made our mistakes, and I include myself in this. Social mobility and supporting those seeking to move on from past mistakes is something the rail industry can offer. It’s a fantastic industry in which to develop as a person, supported by thousands of amazing staff who come from across all sections of our society. Caring for each other, supporting each other through the trials of our lives, should be in the DNA of this great industry”.
Mark Libby, Head of Partnerships Centre for Social Justice, said: “Having served time myself, I recall pacing the yard with many inmates. Caught in this unfamiliar world, and contrary to my own prejudice, I discovered some fantastic people.
“The hardest time of my sentence started when I returned home. As a prison leaver I know first-hand the burning desire to rebuild, and the crushing reality of the barriers preventing this being achieved. Rebuilding Futures Alliance offers a pathway to harness this workforce. A chance not just for the prison leaver, but for employers to strengthen their organisation.”
In rail alone, a recent NSAR survey* reports:
RFA will be presenting at the upcoming Transport for Wales Summit on Thursday this week, where we will be sharing more about our mission and impact.
We are supported by employers, community groups, and public figures including actor and advocate Stephen Graham OBE.
Stephen said: "We are proud to support the RFA in their mission. Prisons are at breaking point and when people do leave jail, 50% of individuals within the first 12 months fall back into the vicious circle of criminality and unemployment. The Rebuilding Futures Alliance aims to change all that for low-risk offenders, who account for a large part of the prison population.
“It’s for that reason we are delighted to back this not-for-profit organisation and the potentially life-changing work they are now undertaking.”
Together with the support of forward-thinking organisations like TfW, we are building a transport work force that reflects the communities it serves.
