Tim Bailey: Championing Social Value and Inclusive Recruitment

Tim Bailey, the Social Value Data Coordinator at OCS, has dedicated his career to creating opportunities for those often overlooked by traditional hiring practices. Since joining OCS in April 2023, Tim has been at the forefront of inclusive recruitment, working with partners like Ingeus, Maximus, Shaw Trust, and Seetec to help long-term unemployed individuals re-enter the workforce.

“We’ve put around 85 people back into work last year,” Tim proudly shares. His approach focuses on hiring based on attitude, which has proven successful in various sectors. “We recruit on attitude rather than experience and qualifications. There’s the ‘Three A’s’ approach: Attitude, Ability, and Aptitude. The biggest one for me is Attitude,” he explains, emphasising the importance of motivation and willingness to work. This approach has proven incredibly effective, with the People into Work programme boasting an impressive 86% retention rate.

A Career Dedicated to Social Value

Tim’s journey into social value began long before his current role. With 22 years in the prison service, he has extensive experience in employability programmes for ex-offenders. His last few years in the prison industry particularly shaped his outlook. On secondment for the New Futures Network from 2021, the employability arm of the HMPPS – with whom he now works with in his role at OCS – he helped around 75 men within custody re-enter the workforce in the scaffolding and construction industry over 12 months.

“I started helping employ ex-offenders in 2010,” he recalls, detailing his work in women’s prisons where women would work during the day and return to custody after their shift. This initiative helped around 200 women secure jobs, providing them with a stable foundation upon release. “It’s rewarding,” he says, reflecting on the messages of gratitude he receives from those he has helped.

His commitment to social value extends beyond employment. Tim is actively involved in the Social Value Portal, ensuring that the impact of OCS’s initiatives is accurately reported and verified.

Tim’s work is not without its challenges. He highlights the importance of providing comprehensive support to ensure long-term success for those re-entering the workforce. “They need accommodation, support, and to ensure their mental and physical health is sound,” he stresses. This holistic approach is crucial in preventing re-offending and promoting sustainable employment.

Future Plans and Aspirations

Looking ahead, Tim is optimistic about expanding OCS’s efforts in inclusive recruitment. He is currently the deputy chair of the Employment Advisory Board at HMP Foston Hall and conducts employability workshops in various prisons. “We’re going to hopefully get some people with a conviction into the business,” he says, underscoring the importance of support and understanding in these initiatives.

“In the prison service, those looking for work on release are motivated people. They are motivated because they never thought they’d get a job because of their criminal record. They believed no employers would want to hire them, so they worked even harder to overcome that stigma. This experience has influenced my current role. People who haven’t been employed for 12 months often feel it will be another 12 months before they get a job because they lack experience. At OCS, we focus on inclusion and social value. We aim to reflect the communities we work in by hiring individuals based on their strengths and potential, not just their experience. We ask, ‘What can you bring to our business?’ rather than just looking at CVs. We consider key skills and personal profiles, like motivation and teamwork, to help get people back into work.”

Tim Bailey’s dedication to social value and inclusive recruitment displays his belief in second chances and the potential within every individual. His work not only transforms lives but also enriches the communities OCS serves, reflecting a commitment to social responsibility and inclusivity.