Julie Wilson

National Manager Employer Partnerships - Department of Corrections

Julie has spent the last 3.5 years working with the Department of Correction’s employment and reintegration programme for people with criminal convictions.

Topic: Reducing Re-Offending Through Sustainable Employment
The presentation focuses on the Department of Corrections’ emphasis on employment and reintegration; the importance of employment post release; collaboration with external service providers; and the value of partnering and working with employers to support our efforts in supporting those within our care into sustainable employment – The Future of their Work.

Employers who hire someone with a conviction history will make a real difference to those individuals, their families, and the wider community. Corrections also provide in-work support to employees and employers to ensure seamless reintegration of people into the workforce.  Find out how you can help make a difference…

More about Julie and the programme…
Julie Wilson is National Manager Employer Partnerships at the Department of Corrections.  With over 15 years’ experience in recruitment, she has spent the last 3.5 years working with the Department to increase employment opportunities and improve outcomes for those with criminal convictions.  Gaining and maintaining employment is often a struggle for those with criminal convictions due to the conviction acting as a barrier, even though they may have the required skills and experience to do the job.  

Having employment is a significant contributing factor to desistence from crime. Employees with conviction histories are often the most loyal and productive in the workforce, due to having been given a second chance and the opportunity to prove themselves and lead positive, pro-social lives. Having a job improves self confidence and resilience to grow, allows for better choices and outcomes and contributes positively to a community. 

The implementation of the Department’s own recruitment service went live 21 months ago, with 8 Offender Recruitment Consultants. A further 5 were employed 7 months ago.  To date, they have placed 1404 offenders into employment.