According to an independent report, a Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) programme generated £3.54m in social value over four yearsAccording to an independent report, a Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) programme generated £3.54m in social value over four years.
From May 2017 to October 2020, the Mind the Gap initiative aimed to improve employment outcomes for ex-offenders in the construction sector. Led by Lendlease subsidiary BeOnsite, the scheme received £720,000 in CITB grant funding plus £300,000 in in-kind support.
Social impact consultancy Think Impact found that 38 per cent of the value accrued to the government, mainly through reduced reoffending and welfare costs. Employees gained 35 per cent of the value, with the remainder split between employers (19 per cent) and employees’ families (9 per cent).
The project engaged 795 beneficiaries, provided 172 job opportunities and achieved 75 sustained roles lasting at least six months.
It also delivered training to 400 businesses, published employer guidance on hiring ex-offenders, and created regional steering groups to link prisons, employers and training providers.
The report recommended longer funding cycles to achieve lasting systems change, post-programme follow-up to measure long-term outcomes, and ongoing education campaigns to address employer reluctance to retain ex-offenders beyond statutory requirements.
BeOnsite’s position as a not-for-profit embedded in a major contractor was cited as a success factor, enabling it to bridge public, private and third-sector stakeholders.
The report also highlighted the role of “social intrapreneurs” in leading such initiatives and called for more regional steering groups.
The scheme faced challenges in London due to the absence of Release on Temporary Licence prisoners during the programme period, which limited delivery compared with the West Midlands.
Partners, including A Fairer Chance, Bounce Back, Dominic Headley & Partners, the Mitie Foundation, and Nacro, delivered it.