Today, PeoplePlus brought together over 70 attendees at HMP Castle Huntly, including representatives from Scottish Government, Scottish Prison Service and employers from a range of sectors ready to be part of the solution, for a powerful Community Wealth Advocacy Group (CWAG) event focused on unlocking opportunity, challenging perceptions and driving real change.
From the moment the session began, there was a clear energy in the room - a shared sense of purpose and a collective feeling that change isn’t just needed, it’s possible. Conversations were open, honest and solution-focused, with everyone aligned around one goal: creating better pathways from custody into sustainable employment.
A powerful call to action
The event opened with Governor Tommy Watt, who set the tone for the day by speaking about Scotland’s commitment to ‘No-one Left Behind’.
He reminded the room that ‘Everyone has a story to tell’ and reinforced the importance of looking beyond assumptions, sharing:
‘It’s about unlocking potential’
Speaking directly to employers, he encouraged action and leadership, with strong calls to action including:
‘Your part is about giving a chance and opportunities’
‘Don’t be afraid to stand up and have your voice heard’
He closed with a powerful reflection that resonated throughout the day:
‘I believe people can change. People make mistakes but they shouldn’t be left with that label for the rest of their lives.’
Turning discussion into action
A key part of the session was a group exercise designed to move beyond conversation and into practical solutions.
Discussions focused on:
What is working
What is not working
Where friction points exist today
What must change to accelerate progress
The outcome was a strong, collective understanding of the barriers that still exist and, importantly, agreement on where immediate progress can be made.
Key themes included:
- The importance of a more holistic approach to support
- Better understanding and support around neurodiversity
- A need to increase awareness for employers on the support available to them
This wasn’t just discussion - it was a room aligned on action.
Support that starts inside the prison
Jade Devaney and Tracey Fyfe shared insights into the support they're delivering within HMP Addiewell, highlighting the depth of work already taking place.
This included:
- Intensive support for individuals upon release
- Life skills courses to support reintegration into society
- Ongoing employer engagement
As they explained:
‘We want to get the best from every single person individually’
Hearing the human reality
One of the most impactful moments of the day came from a prisoner currently at HMP Castle Huntly, who shared his lived experience.
In conversation with Marcus Whitehead, Head of Offender Outcomes at HMP Castle Huntly, he spoke openly about the barriers he faces and made a direct appeal to employers:
‘To look at people as individuals not their crime’
It was a moment that brought everything into sharp focus reinforcing why this work matters and why employer involvement is critical.
Driving change through collaboration
Emma Yorke, Divisional Managing Director - Justice & Custody Division, PeoplePlus, introduced the Justice Recruitment Advocacy Group (JRAG).
She talked about how the JRAG can support to connect the dots and already works with:
- Employers ready to offer opportunities to prison leavers
- Employers looking for practical support to do so
- Organisations shaping prison education and employability pathways
The message was clear: collaboration is key to creating lasting, scalable change.
A commitment to doing things differently
The day closed with Kenny Boyle, CEO PeoplePlus, who spoke about the Social Recruitment Covenant and why it matters.
The covenant is a commitment from employers to adopt fairer, more inclusive recruitment practices - opening up opportunities to people from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds, including prison leavers. It moves social value from intention into action, providing a clear framework for employers to make a measurable difference through their hiring practices.
By signing the covenant, employers are not only helping individuals rebuild their lives - they are also strengthening their workforce, accessing new talent pools and contributing to a more inclusive economy.
Moving forward together
This CWAG event wasn’t just another discussion. It was a moment of alignment - between employers, partners and the justice system - with a shared determination to remove barriers and create real opportunities.
The energy in the room reflected a collective commitment to movement and change.
The next step is turning that momentum into action.
